Single Idea 2141

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / b. Defining ethics]

Full Idea

I suggest that we forget about trying to define goodness itself for the time being.

Gist of Idea

I suggest that we forget about trying to define goodness itself for the time being

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 506e)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.233

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A Reaction

This was a source of some humour in the ancient world (in the theatre). Goodness is like some distant glow, which can never be approached in order to learn of its source.