Full Idea
Whereas Socrates thought that the virtues are principles (because they are forms of knowledge), we say they imply a principle (practical reason).
Clarification
'Practical reason' is the Greek word 'phronesis'
Gist of Idea
For Socrates virtues are principles, involving knowledge, but we say they only imply the principle of practical reason
Source
Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1144b30)
Book Reference
Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.224
A Reaction
It is hard to pin down how rational an Aristotelian virtue is supposed to be. Is a virtue a quasi-platonic vision of 'the good', but in each specific area, rather than in general?