Ideas from 'fragments/reports' by Antiphon [439 BCE], by Theme Structure

[found in 'The Greek Sophists' by Dillon J./Gergel T. [Penguin 2003,0-140-43689-8]].

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22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / j. Ethics by convention

536	We should follow the law in public, and nature in private

			Full Idea: A man can best conduct himself in harmony with justice, if when in company of witnesses he upholds the laws, and when alone without witnesses he upholds the edicts of nature.
			From: Antiphon (fragments/reports [c.439 BCE], B44), quoted by Anon (Oxy) - Oxyrhynchus Papyrus XI.1364
			A reaction: I'm not sure how you identify the 'edicts of nature', without guidance from other people or the law. Natural behaviour can be pretty grim.

1557	To gain the greatest advantage only treat law as important when other people are present

			Full Idea: The way to get maximum advantage to yourself from justice is to treat the laws as important when other people are present, but when there is nobody else with you to value the demands of nature.
			From: Antiphon (fragments/reports [c.439 BCE], B44A), quoted by Anon (Oxy) - Oxyrhynchus Papyrus 1364A
			A reaction: This looks like a pretty good description of the majority of people active in politics.

23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character

540	The way you spend your time will form your character

			Full Idea: One's character must necessarily grow like that with which one spends the greater part of the day.
			From: Antiphon (fragments/reports [c.439 BCE], B62), quoted by John Stobaeus - Anthology 3.31.41

24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 2. Anarchism

539	Nothing is worse for mankind than anarchy

			Full Idea: Nothing is worse for mankind than anarchy.
			From: Antiphon (fragments/reports [c.439 BCE], B61), quoted by (who?) - where?