Golden mean (philosophy)

The Golden Mean, a concept rooted in ancient Greek philosophy, is primarily associated with Aristotle. In his ethical framework, particularly in the "Nicomachean Ethics," Aristotle posits that virtue lies in finding the balance between excess and deficiency. The Golden Mean suggests that moral behavior and virtuous living exist in moderation and are determined by reason. For example, courage is considered a virtue that exists between the extremes of recklessness (excess) and cowardice (deficiency).