Avicenna's Ethical Virtue

Avecinnachr('39')s ethical theory is classified within ethical virtue-oriented theories. He begins his ethical theory by discussing salvation as the ultimate purpose of human life. In his viewpoint, ultimate salvation of human is achieved though "closeness to God almighty". The way of reaching closeness is perfection in practice and opinion. Therefore, human real salvation is in his perfection of theoretical and practical strength. Reaching the sovereign of justice demands perfection of the practical strength and bringing sensual and anger forces under the control of rational force and it requires Hikmat, courage, and modesty virtues. The perfection of theoretical force is that human will be aware of the realities of all objects, and wisdom (subjective) world is similar to the objective world. Avicenna has divided virtues into logical virtues (rational) and mood virtues in that the logical virtues are the soul virtues and mood virtues are virtues of the willed body. Observing the principle of moderation is the way of obtaining ethical virtues. The important point about Avicennachr('39')s theory is that for him, the moderation principle is known as accepted by the majority. It has also been attempted to mention the innovative aspects of Avicennachr('39')s ethical theory in comparison to other Islamic scholars.