Single Idea 5853

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue]

Full Idea

The greatest virtues must be those most useful to others.

Gist of Idea

The best virtues are the most useful to others

Source

Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric [c.350 BCE], 1366b02)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'The Art of Rhetoric', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1991], p.105


A Reaction

I wonder if this applies to the intellectual virtues, as well as to the social virtues? Is this virtue theory's answer to utilitarianism, or utilitarianism's answer to virtue theory? Personally I think good persons are prior to benefits.