Distinguish between theoretical science and the practical sciences. According to Aristotle, there are three theoretical sciences: mathematics; physics, or natural philosophy; and metaphysics. The theoretical sciences are concerned with objects that are eternal and invariable. The practical sciences are not "science" in the strict sense but rather forms of knowledge or wisdom whose concerns are temporal and changeable. The practical sciences include ethics, politics, rhetoric and poetics.
Explain Aristotle's idea of moral virtue and the related concept of "phronesis." Aristotle distinguished between intellectual virtue and moral virtue. The former is associated with the theoretical sciences and is concerned with rational thought and intellectual contemplation. Moral virtue is concerned activity rather than contemplation. Activity is guided by phronesis, which is typically translated as practical wisdom. Practical wisdom is a combination of rational deliberation, tact and intuitive insight. Phronesis implies a certain knack for making the right choice at the right time in the right way. There are no hard and fast rules, because contexts and situations are always different. The ability to acquire and exercise practical wisdom develops over time through experience.
Connect the idea of moral virtue with Aristotle's idea of function. Aristotle had a teleological (goal-oriented) conception of the universe and of humans' place in it. Aristotle discovers the primary function or purpose of human beings by asking: What is the object of human striving? The answer is "eudaemonia," typically translated as living well, flourishing or happiness. All human activity, in Aristotle's view --- the search for love, money, glory, material objects --- is motivated by the desire to live well or to be happy.
Expand upon the concept of eudaemonia. According to Aristotle, to flourish we need external goods such as money, friendship, love, health and luck. It is difficult to live well if we are lacking in any of these areas. Human flourishing also requires living a life in accordance with virtue, which requires gradually improving our ability to exercise phronesis --- what we might refer to today as character building. Making the right choices eventually becomes habitual and a reflection of our character.
Give practical examples of the doctrine of the mean. Aristotle locates virtue as a median point between two extremes. Aristotle refers to this as the doctrine of the mean. For example, the virtue of bravery is a located between the extremes of cowardliness and rashness. The virtue of temperance (moderation) is located between the extremes of self-denial and overindulgence. Practical wisdom allows one to make the proper choice between the extremes. Ethical choice and virtue are based on individual decisions, not rules.