Is common sense, i.e. moderation the "best" good?

[fakename]

Is moderation in all things the essence of virtue? I think that it might be seeing as, in my studies of Catholicism and other ethical systems, it seems that the former contains many rules which allow for differing actions according to circumstances -that is, rules that allow for the full use of common sense evaluation and moderation. The latter systems though, seem to put emphasis on just one rule usually (except for Confucianism which is basically however, common sense w/o the systematic perfection of Aristotle or Aquinas). For instance -utitlitarianism is to follow units of pleasure, platonism is to follow platonic forms, etc.

But at the same time, moderation seems to be systematic and so very much not moderate (since by systematic I mean “followed at all times”) since it takes away the option of extreme action -it is extremely unextreme or extremely moderate?

Also, moderation is the peak of good -but to be the peak of good is the maximum in the world of good things so that conflicts with the idea of moderation being “in-the-middle”.

Any suggestions?

 

[benidict]

I think you would enjoy Thomas Paine’s Book, common sense. Or since you sound like a well read person. maybe you already have. I intend on reading it, when I return to Hawaii later this year.

 

[purplesunshine]

Moderation is not the best good…it is only good when applied to thigs that should be moderated. Some things should avoided, and some things simply should not be moderated.

I do not think that moderation can be taken with things like crime, mind-altering drugs, etc. They cannot be moderated. You simply must refrain.

I hope to be married some day. I will not moderatly love my spouse, I will love them wholly. (In a healthy way, of course)

 

[Barbkw]

Is moderation in all things the essence of virtue?

Yes, except for things that are pure evil for your body, spirit, soul (ie. steet methamphetamine use will not be a virture even when done in moderation).

The flip side of moderation behavior is addictive behavior.

You name it, people will and have become addicted to it (food, alcohol, sex, pornography, drugs, shopping, gambling, video gaming, television, cars, sound equipment, exercise, sloth, movies, collecting, smoking, easy money through illegal activity, fishing, life threatening sport activities, tatoos, etc.)

In the 12 Step Program of OA (Overeaters Anonymous) the steps attempt to return behavior to a state of moderation.

However, generally in the 12 Step Program of Alchoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) the steps gradually encourage behavior toward the acceptance of abstinence.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Yes, except for things that are pure evil for your body, spirit, soul (ie. steet methamphetamine use will not be a virture even when done in moderation).

The flip side of moderation behavior is addictive behavior.

You name it, people will and have become addicted to it (food, alcohol, sex, pornography, drugs, shopping, gambling, video gaming, television, cars, sound equipment, exercise, sloth, etc.)

In the 12 Step Program of OA (Overeaters Anonymous) the steps attempt to return behavior to a state of moderation.

However, generally in the 12 Step Program of Alchoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) the steps gradually encourage behavior toward the acceptance of abstinence.

Good post. I agree with you.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Moderation is not the best good…it is only good when applied to thigs that should be moderated. Some things should avoided, and some things simply should not be moderated.

I do not think that moderation can be taken with things like crime, mind-altering drugs, etc. They cannot be moderated. You simply must refrain.

I hope to be married some day. I will not moderatly love my spouse, I will love them wholly. (In a healthy way, of course)

Good show as well.

 

[WoundedIcon]

Maybe it’s more like balance. Don’t have too much of one side or the other in exclusion of the other.

Love rock and don’t hate hymns is a concrete example.

Doing things that are intrinsically evil would be considered a left-hand extreme, like masturbation. It violates the balance of unity and pleasure.
It violates charity.

Doing good things forcefully would be a right-hand extreme, like being a Bible-thumper. It violates the balance of righteousness and respect.
It violates charity too.