Single Idea 7808

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

Full Idea

In Socrates' thought, the expressly civic values of justice and friendship became paramount.

Gist of Idea

Socrates made the civic values of justice and friendship paramount

Source

report of Socrates (reports of career [c.420 BCE]) by A.C. Grayling - What is Good? Ch.2

Book Reference

Grayling,A.C.: 'What is Good? The Best Way to Live' [Phoenix 2003], p.17


A Reaction

This is the key move in ancient ethics, away from heroism, and towards the standard Aristotelian social virtues. I say this is the essence of what we call morality, and the only one which can be given a decent foundational justification (social health).