Single Idea 189

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / d. Teaching virtue]

Full Idea

Athenians inflict punishment on wrong-doers, which shows that they too think it possible to impart and teach goodness.

Gist of Idea

If we punish wrong-doers, it shows that we believe virtue can be taught

Source

Plato (Protagoras [c.391 BCE], 324c)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Protagoras and Meno', ed/tr. Guthrie,W K C [Penguin 1956], p.56