Single Idea 23361

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 4. External Goods / b. Health]

Full Idea

Is health a good and sickness an evil? No. Health is good when used well, and bad when used ill.

Gist of Idea

Health is only a good when it is used well

Source

Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 3.20.04)

Book Reference

Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.185


A Reaction

Although I like the idea that health is a natural value, which bridges the gap from facts to values (as a successful function), there is no denying that the health of very evil people is not something the rest of us hope for.