Virtue: Ethics and Virtuous Life
Virtue
Virtue is the key to a meaningful and happy life. According to ancient philosophers, Socrates and Aristotle, developing virtue is vital in order to lead a successful, fulfilling life. Though both men differ in their interpretations of a "good life," they both agree that the supreme life is one of virtuous meaning. Each of the philosophers have devised and implemented their own definitions and guidelines to acquire and practice a virtuous disposition. While it is agreed that knowledge and practice are the key to virtuosity, the philosophers disagree on fundamental rules to follow. The inherent question to be explored concerns the idea of virtue; what is it and how does one acquire it? The answer is anything but simple, but a blend of both philosophies can shed light on the two men 's view on practicing a virtuous life. Socrates and Aristotle believe in distinct ends to a common mean.
According to Socrates, there are common practices and contracts people enter into in order to live in a society. A good life is inherently virtuous and, according to Socrates, there are certain rules to follow in order to attain virtuosity. Socrates believed that virtue was knowledge. His mission was to encourage people to think for themselves and thus become more virtuous. One example of Socrates devotion to rules and regulations is cited in the Crito. Socrates ' word choice including words such as "never" and "always," suggest stern, unbreakable rules. "It is never right to commit injustice or return injustice" (Plato 89). In Athens, Socrates believes, the laws reign supreme and according to the law, Socrates was justifiably guilty. Socrates was sentenced to death based on a conviction of a court upheld by the laws. The finality of the decision of the laws vis-à-vis the court became the final answer regarding Socrates guilt and impending death. When a comrade of Socrates came to visit him in prison with the hope of convincing him to run away, Socrates stood firm in his
Virtue is the key to a meaningful and happy life. According to ancient philosophers, Socrates and Aristotle, developing virtue is vital in order to lead a successful, fulfilling life. Though both men differ in their interpretations of a "good life," they both agree that the supreme life is one of virtuous meaning. Each of the philosophers have devised and implemented their own definitions and guidelines to acquire and practice a virtuous disposition. While it is agreed that knowledge and practice are the key to virtuosity, the philosophers disagree on fundamental rules to follow. The inherent question to be explored concerns the idea of virtue; what is it and how does one acquire it? The answer is anything but simple, but a blend of both philosophies can shed light on the two men 's view on practicing a virtuous life. Socrates and Aristotle believe in distinct ends to a common mean.
According to Socrates, there are common practices and contracts people enter into in order to live in a society. A good life is inherently virtuous and, according to Socrates, there are certain rules to follow in order to attain virtuosity. Socrates believed that virtue was knowledge. His mission was to encourage people to think for themselves and thus become more virtuous. One example of Socrates devotion to rules and regulations is cited in the Crito. Socrates ' word choice including words such as "never" and "always," suggest stern, unbreakable rules. "It is never right to commit injustice or return injustice" (Plato 89). In Athens, Socrates believes, the laws reign supreme and according to the law, Socrates was justifiably guilty. Socrates was sentenced to death based on a conviction of a court upheld by the laws. The finality of the decision of the laws vis-à-vis the court became the final answer regarding Socrates guilt and impending death. When a comrade of Socrates came to visit him in prison with the hope of convincing him to run away, Socrates stood firm in his
Bibliography: Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. Plato. The Last Days of Socrates. London: Penguin Books, 2003.