Single Idea 22579

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

The courage, justice, practical wisdom, and temperance of a city have the same capacity and form [morphé] as those in which each human being who is said to be courageous, just, practically-wide, and temperate would share.

Gist of Idea

The same four cardinal virtues which apply to individuals also apply to a city

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 11323b33)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.159


A Reaction

These are the four traditional Cardinal Virtues of ancient Greek culture. Aristotle defers to them, even though his account of the virtues is much broader.