Single Idea 2147

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / a. Form of the Good]

Full Idea

The sight of goodness shows that it is responsible for everything that is right and fine,…and it is the source and provider of truth and knowledge. It is necessary for intelligent conduct of private and public affairs.

Gist of Idea

The sight of goodness leads to all that is fine and true and right

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 517c)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.244


A Reaction

As so often with Plato, I am baffled by such a claim. I sometimes see things in the world which strike me as right or fine, but I cannot conceive of a separate 'sight of goodness'.