Who is associated with the idea that we become virtuous by doing virtuous things?

The concept that we become virtuous through our actions is fundamentally linked to Aristotle. He proposed that virtue is not merely an abstract quality but is developed through practice and habituation. Aristotle believed that by consistently engaging in virtuous behaviors, individuals cultivate ethical character and become virtuous over time. This process is grounded in his idea of "practical wisdom," where one learns to navigate moral complexities through experience.

Aristotle's approach contrasts with other philosophers who may emphasize innate qualities or abstract forms of goodness. For example, Socrates focused more on knowing the good as a prerequisite for doing good, while Plato emphasized the existence of ideal forms of virtue. Confucius, too, had a strong focus on moral development through social practices, but Aristotle's specific approach to virtue ethics is what prominently highlights the transformative power of actions in shaping moral character.