Single Idea 5251

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

Full Idea

A god has no virtue or vice, any more than a brute has; the goodness of a god is more to be esteemed than virtue.

Gist of Idea

Gods exist in a state which is morally superior to virtue

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1145a24)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.226


A Reaction

A very interesting comment, implying how very human the virtues are, with all the implied limitations. The virtues are just the natural excellences for a human, but this leaves open how naturally excellent the human race is.