more from Bernard Williams

Single Idea 2169

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

Full Idea

There was moral progress in the ancient Greek world, notably to the extent that the idea of areté, human excellence, was freed to some extent from determination by social position.

Clarification

'Areté' normally translates as either 'virtue' or 'excellence'

Gist of Idea

Greek moral progress came when 'virtue' was freed from social status

Source

Bernard Williams (Shame and Necessity [1993], I - p.7)

Book Reference

Williams,Bernard: 'Shame and Necessity' [California 1994], p.7