more from Panaetius

Single Idea 6012

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

Full Idea

Humans have four roles in life, of which the fourth involves choices, of career, and of the virtue in which one wishes to excel.

Gist of Idea

We must choose in which of the virtues we wish to excel

Source

Panaetius (fragments/reports [c.145 BCE]), quoted by Elizabeth Asmis - Panaetius

Book Reference

'Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy', ed/tr. Zeyl,Donald J. [Fitzroy Dearborn 1997], p.362


A Reaction

Panaetius strikes me as exceptionally wise. A big gap in Aristotle is the fact that we cannot excel in all virtues, and that therefore some choice is required. By what criteria? We have the Gauguin problem (excel in one, disgraceful in the others).