New
New
Year 6

Aristotle and the golden mean

I can explain how Aristotle defined a good life.

New
New
Year 6

Aristotle and the golden mean

I can explain how Aristotle defined a good life.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Aristotle was a philosopher who lived in Ancient Greece.
  2. He defined a good life as one which cultivated virtue: how we live and treat others is as important as what we achieve.
  3. Aristotle believed that a good life could be led by finding a balance between extremes. He called this the golden mean.

Keywords

  • 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 misconception

Philosophy is ancient and has no meaning for today.

Philosophy has its roots in Ancient Greece, but the ideas are still important today.


To help you plan your year 6 religious education lesson on: Aristotle and the golden mean, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Explore Philosophy for children (P4C). There are many examples of philosophical questions and activities for KS2 children online to provide discussion starters and ways of thinking.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is true about humanists?

They believe in many gods.
They all go to church.
Correct answer: They do not follow a religion.

Q2.
Humanists make ethical choices using reason and , not religion.

Correct Answer: empathy, Empathy

Q3.
Which of these is a selfish way to decide something?

using empathy
asking how it will affect others
Correct answer: choosing what helps only you

Q4.
Why is using both reason and empathy important to humanists?

It makes them famous.
Correct answer: It helps them make thoughtful and kind choices.
It lets them win arguments.

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is philosophy?

a type of art
the study of rocks
Correct answer: the study of thinking, values, and how to live well

Q2.
Who was Aristotle?

a warrior
Correct answer: a philosopher from Ancient Greece
a king of Egypt

Q3.
According to Aristotle, what matters most?

how much you own
your achievements only
Correct answer: how you live and treat others

Q4.
Aristotle believed that the best way to live was to find a balance between extremes. He called this the golden ...

Correct Answer: mean, mean