Can Virtue Be Taught Essay

The question “Can virtue be taught?” is a question that has puzzled philosophers for ages. It is a hard question to answer since we do not know what the true definition of virtue is. Socrates attempts to define virtue as knowledge, and if one is knowledgeable they will do the right thing without much effort (Plato, Meno). After time the meaning of virtue has changed. Today one could define virtue as being morally good. In my paper, I will argue that virtue can be taught to those who are willing to change. Although those who oppose the teaching of virtue believe that virtue is a born trait and is developed naturally through habits. There are many who believe that virtue is teachable and although there may be bad people, it is true that they …show more content…
Socrates defines virtue as knowledge, and if virtue is a kind of knowledge then it can be taught. In Meno and several other dialogues, Socrates makes arguments on the subject of virtue. Of the many different arguments Socrates examines, he seems to focus the most on the way virtue is received, but more specifically if one is born virtuous, and if virtue could be taught. These different types of virtues are also known as moral virtue and intellectual virtue (Nicomachean Ethics). It is hard to say if one is born already a virtuous. If everyone was virtuous then why would the question of teaching virtue ever be asked in the first place? It simply does not make sense for someone to say that one is born virtuous because if that is true then there are also people who are born bad or non-virtuous. Therefore there is a need to teach virtues to others.
Many who disagree with the idea that virtue can be taught believe that being virtuous is black and white; you are either are a virtuous person or not. Although it is true that there are bad people, it is also true that a non-virtuous person was not always bad and that he/she could be good again if they are willing to