Plato s Views On Morality And Virtue - 1819 Words

In this dialogue we see Socrates in intellectual argument with a fellow philosopher: Protagoras who claims to be Sophists (professional expert in wisdom) they both use various arguments and counter arguments to prove their arguments on the topic of piety and virtue. Socrates believed that Virtues is something that could not be taught or learned, where Protagoras claimed that he can teach people â€Å"good judgement† in both personal affairs, civil issues and teach political science so that his students will become good citizens. The argument begins with Protagoras claiming that he can teach Hippocrates â€Å"good judgement† in both personal affairs and civic issues. He also claims to be able to teach political science in a way so that his students will become good citizens. To this Socrates replies that he did not know this was something that could be taught and in consequence he poses one of the central questions of this dialogue: is virtue teachable? Socrates’ reason for doubting that virtue can be taught is that virtuous parents often have unvirtuous children. Socrates explains this argument by illustrating many examples in which this has been proven to be true. Pericles was a leading figure for Athens, a good and a virtuous citizen. However when Clinias (the brother to Alcibades) was placed into Pericles’ care in an attempt to separate him from negative influences, and to teach him how to be a good virtuous citizen of Athens, he was returned after six months in Pericles’ careShow MoreRelatedEssay about Morals and Ethics1134 Words   |  5 Pages Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Nietzsche all had their own ideas for which one could reach happiness in his/her life. All have similarities in there reasoning except Nietzshe, who contradicts the others entirely. Plato states that to understand virtue is happiness. In turn virtue suffices for happiness and is necessary. Also he intuits that human reasoning prevails over spirited element or a person?s appetite. Aristotle?s arguments relate with Plato, but he builds more to it and finds his ownRead MoreKant And Kant s Philosophy On Ethics970 Words   |  4 Pagesquestion. A dictionary describes ethics as-moral principles that govern a person s or group s behavior. Is there a universal ethical behavior ? Are all countries ethical ? Theses very same questions many philosophers have tried to figure through time from Socrates to Immanuel kant (and to this very day for the matter!). While comparing two great eathist Plato and Immanuel Kant I, the writer argue that Kant s ideological views on ethics were far superior to Plato’s due to several factors. For one KantRead MoreSocrates : The Suicide Of Socrates1405 Words   |  6 Pagesscience and into the abstract realm of ethics and morality. When Socrates teachings were being taught in school, they all taught some form of morality as their foundational tenet, no matter the differences of the schools. However people interpreted those teac hings, it was clear that Socrates main focus was on how to live a good and moral life. A quote that backed that up was an unexamined life is not worth living (Apology, 38b), which is said by Plato. It is argued that Socrates believed idealsRead MorePlato s Euthyphro And Apology893 Words   |  4 Pagescharacteristics of wisdom. Though Plato was one of the earliest philosophers, the topic of wisdom is still debated by modern philosophers today, contemplating questions such as â€Å"What are the classifications of ‘wisdom’?† According to Plato’s two dialogues, the characteristics of wisdom have a strong correlation with the characteristics of â€Å"being a good person†. This concept highlights the values of virtue and selflessness and at the same time juxtapose views on virtue while taking into account the differentRead MorePlato And Aristotle s Theories Of Utilitarianism And Kantian Ethics1408 Words   |  6 PagesThe ancient theories of Plato and Aristotle differ greatly from the contemporary theories of Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. Plato and Aristotle focused on the importance of virtue in an individual’s life. Plato believed that purity of the soul was the most important thing in life and can be achieved by mastering the four virtues: justice, wisdom, courage, and moderation. Aristotle believed that the goal of human life was to achieve happiness, which is made possible by the cultivation of a justRead MoreSocrates And Aristotle s Life1491 Words   |  6 Pagesdepends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival. The earliest accounts of human history chronicle the struggle for survival against all odds. It is therefore remarkable that roughly 2400 years ago the question of virtue was raised, let alone contemplated at great length, forming a foundation upon which Western philosophers build to the present day. Socrates and Aristotle were two key individuals credited for their roles in the advent of Classical philosophy. MenRead MoreEvaluating Historical Views of Leadership Essay1194 Words   |  5 Pages Evaluating Historical Views of Leadership March 9, 2014 University of Phoenix Evaluating Historical Views of Leadership This paper evaluates the leadership views of Plato, Aristotle, Lao-Tzu, and Machiavelli from the point of view of the modern military leader. The process of evaluation includes an examination of the commonalities and disparities between these views of leadership. The paper explores a definition of modern military leadership. The paper includes an assessment of theRead MoreAristotle on Happiness and Virtue Essay1749 Words   |  7 Pagesimportant study on ethics, personal morality and virtues is ‘The Nicomachean Ethics’, which has been greatly influencing works of literature in ethics and heavily read for centuries, is believed to be written 2000 years ago. However, it still serves as an iconic work of literature for readers as it provides modern readers with new perspectives to known human behaviors and needs. In his writing, Aristotle insisted that there are no particular standard set for morality and that any ethical theory mustRead MoreDifferences Between Plato s And Kant1184 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferences and similarities between Plato’s and Kant’s works. It is very apparent that both philosophers are speaking to the necessity of man developing personal ethics, but each thinker approaches this universal question using different principles. Plato uses Socrates’ dialogue to assess how one acquires wisdom through the acknowledgement of inherent ignorance. Kant evaluates the causes of people remaining in willful ignorance and the methods by which they can lift themselves out of such a state intoRead MoreAristotle And Marcus Cicero s Perceptions Of Virtue Ethics And The Development Of Economic Society1623 Words   |  7 PagesBut philosophers have always questioned the morality of how one conducts himself in society. In this essay, we will examine Plato, Aristotle, Saint Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Marcus Cicero’s perceptions of what virtue ethics are, and how they facilitated the development of economic soc iety. Morality, distinctly defines what is right and what is wrong, but theory of virtue ethics is the mechanism an individual uses to make those moral decisions. Virtue is essentially having a good moral character