Virtue

Socrates and Meno discus ways which virtue can be acquired. They suggest that it can not be taught, but it is understandable through by recollection. Virtue is something that comes from those who posses it as a free gifts from the gods, because it's neither innate nor earned. Virtue is a mix of many different ideas which of justice and moderation are apart of. After Socrates refutes the ideas of different virtues for different people, he goes on to say that if all virtues came in different…

Courage is essential in determining one’s true moral character and beliefs. It is what enables a person to face difficulty with bravery and adhere to these values. However, an individual’s virtue and intrepidity can be like a dormant seed that requires certain circumstances to cultivate them. In his screenplay, Schindler’s List, Steven Zaillin explores the idea that when an individual consistently performs acts of courage in the midst of horrific and agonizing situations, despite their…

Essentially, the Confucian moral theory is considered to be a form of virtue ethics. This philosophy advocates for ideal character traits or values and put more emphasis on the cultivation of moral excellence and other moral contexts of human relations. In the East Asian tradition, morality is considered to be the father of living and a way of life (Lecture notes). This belief forms the basis of the reason why Confucius designed the theory. In its broader context, Confucian theory sheds light on…

Few issues are as contentious and endless as how to achieve a life full of happiness. Many arguments can be discussed about which viewpoint could be classified as the underlying best, but, out of the various aspects, the Epicurean and Aristotelian concepts, in my opinion, make the most outstanding deliberation for Frederick’s situation. Are the ethics developed by Epicurus better suited for Frederick’s happy life, or do the moral principles surrounded by Aristotle promote a more enhanced…

Plato uses the characters, a slave, Meno, Anytus, and Socrates to answer the question, “What is virtue?” The slave and Meno did reach a state of Socratic aporia or confusion on this question. Even though they still do not know what virtue is, but at least they now know that they do not know. Where as Anytus, who enters toward the end of the dialogue had a minor role in trying to find the meaning of ‘virtue’. But his role did have significance in regard to Anytus’s character and contributions.…

What does Aristotle define as virtue in N icomachean Ethics? It is stated in the text that “ Virtue, then is a state that decides, consisting in a mean, the mean relative to us, which is defined by reference to reason...,”1 (NE II.6 §15) to properly understand this quote and what Aristotle means by it, we must also understand that Aristotle distinguishes between two different forms of virtue. Said virtues are virtues of Character and virtues of Thought. Firstly, virtues of Character are “those…

Happiness and virtue have been the center of philosophical discussions since the ancient age. Philosophers are very much concerned with the non-physical parts of human existence. Likewise, Plato and Aristotle spend a lot of time discussing happiness and virtue, as well as their relationship. While I respect Plato as one of the greatest philosophers of all time, I must disagree with him, and agree with Aristotle, on the subject of virtue and the relationship between virtue and happiness While…

How Success Correlates with Virtue Throughout the early dynasties of China, a king’s ability to cultivate virtue is positively correlated with his success. This is seen through the stories of King Wen and Wu, as both kings are able to recognize those with or without virtue. By being able to acknowledge virtue in others, a king can promote virtuous individuals to help cultivate more virtue. This ability allowed King Wen and Wu to end the reign of a corrupt king and establish a long-lasting…

was his concept of virtues: thirteen specific traits that, if practiced, would increase that person’s happiness and quality of life. He practiced his own virtues and stated that this helped him to become a better man. Long ago, I discovered his concept of virtues and began to practice them myself, which has significantly affected me as a person in what I believe to be a positive way. Franklin discusses his thirteen virtues in part two of his autobiography. The thirteen virtues he created are:…

In Plato’s three works Crito, Apology, and Euthyphro, Socrates’ conception of virtue and pursuit of knowledge about virtue, leads him to question and in some cases reject the ideas of others. Examples that show this are: Socrates discussion with Crito, his questioning of Meletus in the Apology, his speech to the jury before and after his conviction, and in his discussion with Euthyphro about what is pious. The teachings of these three works seem to go hand and hand with one another, with the…