more from René Descartes

Single Idea 1581

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / d. Virtue theory critique]

Full Idea

The ancient pagans place virtues on a high plateau and make them appear the most valuable thing in the world, but they do not sufficiently instruct us about how to know them.

Gist of Idea

Greeks elevate virtues enormously, but never explain them

Source

René Descartes (A Discourse on Method [1637], §1.8)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Discourse on Method/The Meditations', ed/tr. Sutcliffe,F.E. [Penguin 1968], p.31