I won't have as much time for class
discussion as I would like: mostly lectures from here on out. However,
in preparing the Greek philosophy question for the final exam, it will
really help if you read a few selections from some of the philosophers
we will be discussing.You might find particularly useful Meno, one of Plato's shorter dialogs. You can find online editions at one of the links below:
Can virtue be taught? The apparent answer in this dialogue is no. But does reading the dialogue help at all in understanding/achieving virtue? If so, how?
I think after reading the dialogue I got a little more confused. I get both sides, I can agree with Meno saying that virtue is up to the person, but I can also see how Socrates says virtue is a commonly shared trait. But I still do not know they exact definition of virtue after this reading I think it can be shared among people but in the end its really what you want it to be.
ReplyDeleteLindsey Landenberger
I felt I got the grasp of both sides' arguments on whether virtue could be taught or if it was up to the person. I'd side more with the latter, but that is not to discourage the former entirely. There is certainly an air of learning virtue from others, hence why wisdom is such a hot commodity and why we focus on philosophers. However, to teach virtue is impossible. It is merely from ones' innate actions that others gleam what they consider to be virtuous, and what one considers to be avoidable.
ReplyDeleteYes the readeing helped me understand. Virtue is not something that you are taught, its something that you do or have because of your desire to do good or your ability to have comapassion. Some people are incapable of compassion, and its not because they have never been shown it, it's because they are just plainly put incapable. Now virtue is a little different, but I'd say they are something you'd want in a hero.
ReplyDeleteAbbigail Patton