Abstract

This text seeks to present two absolutely incompatible theories about character. (i) One of them, called situationist, based on contemporary moral psychology research, maintains that there are no robust traits that define us, that there is the idea of character, and that all actions are determined by circumstances. The other (ii) presents a harsh vision of character from Aristotelian ethics, arguing that there is something that defines us – character – which, once acquired,  becomes unavoidable. Finally, the article indicates that there are passages in the ethics of Aristotle that allow an alternative reading to (i) and (ii).

Keywords: Character, lack of character, circumstances.