Single Idea 12276

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / a. Virtues]

Full Idea

Justice [dikaiosune] and self-control [sophrosune] are preferable to courage, for the first two are always useful, but courage only sometimes.

Gist of Idea

Justice and self-control are better than courage, because they are always useful

Source

Aristotle (Topics [c.331 BCE], 117a36)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Posterior Analytics and Topica', ed/tr. Tredennick,H/Forster,ES [Harvard 1960], p.393


A Reaction

One could challenge his criterion. What of something which is absolutely vital on occasions, against something which is very mildly useful all the time? You may survive without justice, but not without courage. Compare Idea 12277.

Related Idea

Idea 12277 Friendship is preferable to money, since its excess is preferable [Aristotle]