Year 6 - Religious education
Aristotle and the golden mean
Ethics: How do we decide what is good?
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will consider the idea of what is good from a philsophical perspective. They will look at how Christians, Muslims and Humanists construct values - noting similarities and differences. They will examine Aristotle's idea of the golden mean and reflect on their own values.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how Aristotle defined a good life.
Key Notes
- Aristotle was a philosopher who lived in Ancient Greece.
- He defined a good life as one which cultivated virtue: how we live and treat others is as important as what we achieve.
- Aristotle believed that a good life could be led by finding a balance between extremes. He called this the golden mean.
Vocabulary To Learn
- philosopher: someone who studies wisdom and values
- golden mean: the mid-point between two extremes
- logic: using reason to solve problems
- virtue: a good habit or moral quality
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Philosophy is ancient and has no meaning for today.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Aristotle was a philosopher who lived in Ancient Greece. He defined a good life as one which cultivated virtue: how we live and treat others is as important as what we achieve.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'philosopher'
someone who studies wisdom and values.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Philosophy is ancient and has no meaning for today. Correction: Philosophy has its roots in Ancient Greece, but the ideas are still important today.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Religious education guide library.