Single Idea 5944

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue]

Full Idea

The 'Republic' is the first sustained philosophical defence of the idea that virtue is its own reward.

Gist of Idea

For Plato, virtue is its own reward

Source

comment on Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], Ch.9) by Hugh Lawson-Tancred - Plato's Republic and Greek Enlightenment

Book Reference

Lawson-Tancred,Hugh: 'Plato's Republic and Greek Enlightenment' [Bristol Classical Press 1998], p.70


A Reaction

Sceptics might say that at the heart of his claim is the idea that the virtuous life is the best means of achieving long-term pleasure (as opposed to short-sighted hedonism). What is it about people which could make virtue attractive to them?