Single Idea 1655

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / b. Intellectualism]

Full Idea

If true opinion without knowledge does suffice to guide action aright, the great mass of men and women may be spared the pain and hazards of the "examined" life.

Gist of Idea

If goodness needs true opinion but not knowledge, you can skip the 'examined life'

Source

comment on Plato (The Apology [c.398 BCE], 38a) by Gregory Vlastos - Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher p.125

Book Reference

Vlastos,Gregory: 'Socrates: Ironist and Moral Philosopher' [CUP 1992], p.125