Virtue of Moderation

Perhaps the ultimate virtue, of the Virtue theory originated by Aristotle, is moderation. Yes, yes there is a long list of virtues, and each of them is very important. Each of those virtues is a moderation between two extremes. Every virtue requires moderation, so moderation must be present before other virtues. 

Each of the virtues are equally important, but for a behavior to be virtuous it requires moderation. Moderation between frugality and throwing ___blank____ out of an airplane. Moderation between being walked all over and being belligerent in demanding your own way be followed by others. 

Moderation has always been something I've agreed with. I will exhibit tolerance towards things I don't necessarily agree with, so long as they don't go too far. Cultural and Subjective Relativism didn't seem to agree with that particular virtue. The virtue theory agrees with me, I believe, on this point because the other virtues all disagree with tolerance in the case of genocide, for example. 

It is not benevolent to commit genocide. It's not civil behavior to say "I'm going to kill your whole 'race'." It's not compassionate, it's certainly not conscientious, and it does not exhibit cooperation between two groups. Genocide could be seen as courageous--but is courage always a good thing? It's not particularly courteous to kill. Dependability has a rather ambiguous relationship to genocide, but it is certainly not fair or friendly to commit genocide. Generosity could potentially be argued to be served by genocide, but I don't necessarily see how. Honesty--well, if you SAY you're committing genocide, then I guess it's honest, and it could be industrious. It's not just, it's not showing moderation, patience, prudence, reasonableness, tactfulness, thoughtfulness or tolerance. Self-discipline and reliance could be argued for, potentially, as could loyalty. 1/3 of the virtues could be in favor of genocide--most of those are only NOT automatically in disagreement, and would require more than a moments' thought. 

I will exhibit tolerance in moderation. I will not tolerate genocide. The wisdom of choosing a course of action is in moderating a virtue. That virtue may be moderated by assessing how the other virtues interact with that particular act: then you moderate your virtue, and your according action in the prescribed manner.

I'm sure that I've probably left out some aspects, but to my mind that is one way to help determine the moderation of a virtue. Each of these virtues is the center of an extreme: to follow the virtues you must show some discernment as to how to moderate each virtue in order to honor the most virtues.

Speaking of honor--should that be on the list of virtues? 

~Jessica