Single Idea 12040

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

Full Idea

There is a widespread view in ancient ethics that virtue is a kind of understanding of moral value.

Gist of Idea

Virtue is a kind of understanding of moral value

Source

Julia Annas (Ancient Philosophy: very short introduction [2000], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Annas,Julia: 'Ancient Philosophy: a very short introduction' [OUP 2000], p.51


A Reaction

In Aristotle's case, this coincides with his apparent view that 'understanding' is the aim of all areas of human thought. See Idea 12038.

Related Idea

Idea 12038 Translate as 'humans all desire by nature to understand' (not as 'to know') [Aristotle, by Annas]