Single Idea 2137

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / a. Form of the Good]

Full Idea

The most important thing to try to understand is the character of goodness, because this is where anything which is moral (or whatever) gets its value and advantages from.

Gist of Idea

The main aim is to understand goodness, which gives everything its value and advantage

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 505a)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.230


A Reaction

I think I'm with Aristotle on this. I understand a good lunch or a good person, but pure goodness just seems to be an empty placeholder. A vote in favour.