Single Idea 5948

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

Full Idea

To live the good life is to live a life of participation in society, of loyalty to friends, of temperance and honest dealing.

Gist of Idea

The good life involves social participation, loyalty, temperance and honesty

Source

Plutarch (74: Reply to Colotes [c.85], §1108)

Book Reference

Plutarch: 'Moralia - vol 14', ed/tr. Einarson,B. /De Lacy P.H. [Harvard Loeb 1967], p.195


A Reaction

'Participation in society' is the interesting one. This might translate as 'doing your duty', or as 'leading a well-rounded life'. Solitude is wrong if you are indebted to others, and it is unhealthy if you are not. Is solitude really immoral, though?