Single Idea 6004

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / a. Virtues]

Full Idea

Hecato defined the cardinal virtues as 'theoretical', that is, based on knowledge, and to these he opposed those that are 'non-theoretical', for example, health, beauty, strength of spirit, and courage.

Gist of Idea

The cardinal virtues are theoretical (based on knowledge), and others are 'non-theoretical'

Source

report of Hecato (fragments/reports [c.70 BCE]) by Tiziano Dorandi - Hecato of Rhodes

Book Reference

'Encyclopedia of Classical Philosophy', ed/tr. Zeyl,Donald J. [Fitzroy Dearborn 1997], p.256


A Reaction

Mostly these are Aristotle's external and non-external virtues, except that courage is here included among the former, implying, presumably, that it is more of a natural gift than an intellectual achievement.