Of Moral Virtue by Plutarch (1898)

Name: Of Moral Virtue
Author: Plutarch

In "Of Moral Virtue," Plutarch explores the nature of moral virtue, distinguishing it from contemplative virtue by its focus on the passions of the mind and its form as right reason. He examines whether the part of the soul where virtue resides is inherently rational or participates in reason externally. Plutarch reviews various philosophical opinions, including those of Menedemus, Ariston, Zeno, and Chrysippus, on the unity and diversity of virtues. He critiques the notion that virtue is merely a disposition of the rational part of the soul, arguing instead for a dual composition of the soul, with both rational and irrational elements. Plutarch emphasizes the role of reason in moderating passions, suggesting that moral virtue is not the absence of passions but their proper regulation. He discusses the differences between continence and temperance, incontinence and intemperance, and the role of reason in achieving moral virtue. Plutarch concludes that moral virtue involves a harmonious balance of passions, guided by reason, rather than their complete eradication.

By Plutarch · First published 1898 · Genre: Philosophy, Ethics, Classical Literature · 12,755 words

First lines

1. My design in this essay is to treat of that virtue which is called and accounted moral, and is chiefly distinguished from the contemplative, in its having for the matter thereof the passions of the mind, and for its form, right reason; and herein to consider the nature of it and how it subsists, and whether that part of the soul wherein it resides be endowed with reason of its own, inherent in itself, or whether it participates of that which is foreign; and if the latter, whether it does this after the manner of those things which are mingled with what is better than themselves, or whether, as being distinct itself but yet under the dominion and superintendency of another, it may be said to partake of the power of the predominant faculty. For that it is possible for virtue to exist and continue altogether independent of matter, and free from all mixture, I take to be most manifest. But in the first place I conceive it may be very useful briefly to run over the opinions of other philosophers, not so much for the vanity of giving an historical account thereof, as that, they being premised, ours may thence receive the greater light and be more firmly established.

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Of Moral Virtue is listed on Textopian as an essay by Plutarch, dated 1898 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Plutarch
Date: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophy, Ethics, Classical Literature, Didactic Literature, Moral Psychology
Length: 12,755 words
Structure: 1 section, 65 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Confusing

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Genres

Philosophy — The work rigorously examines the nature of virtue, reason, and the structure of the human soul, reflecting a systematic philosophical inquiry.
Ethics — It centers on moral virtue, detailing the balance between reason and passion and outlining principles of proper conduct.
Classical Literature — The style, references to classical philosophers, and its historical context align it with works characteristic of ancient Greek literary traditions.
Didactic Literature — The text functions as an instructional treatise, aimed at guiding the reader toward moral self-improvement and virtuous living.