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Single Idea 81

[from 'Nicomachean Ethics' by Aristotle, in 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / b. Intellectualism ]

Full Idea

Whereas Socrates thought that the virtues are principles (because they are forms of knowledge), we say they imply a principle (practical reason).

Clarification

'Practical reason' is the Greek word 'phronesis'

Gist of Idea

For Socrates virtues are principles, involving knowledge, but we say they only imply the principle of practical reason

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1144b30)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Ethics (Nicomachean)', ed/tr. ThomsonJ A K/TredennickH [Penguin 1976], p.224


A Reaction

It is hard to pin down how rational an Aristotelian virtue is supposed to be. Is a virtue a quasi-platonic vision of 'the good', but in each specific area, rather than in general?