The Four Virtues
In the Republic, Socrates expresses how there are four virtues in the state that would make it perfect. He thought that they were the most important thing in the state and that if they found them then the state would be almost perfect. The four virtues he looked for were wisdom (logos), courage (thymos), temperance (eros), Justice . He had already found the first three mentioned, but it was the latter that would bring them together and make a perfect state. |
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Logos
There is a strangeness in wisdom in Socrates mind. He express his tought of thinking that Education and Nurture would bring about wisdom in a citizen's mind. In this manner they would be able to identify which is good and which is evil in life. When Socrates was talking to his fellow member he was explaining how these two things brought about good decisions in war, marriage, etc.
Quote: "The State, if once started well, moves with the accumulating force like a wheel. For good nurture and education implant good constitutions taking root in a good education improve more and more, and this improvement affects the breed in man as well in other animals."
-Socrates
Thymos
The city was to be courageous in all aspects in Socrates mind. They were only to fear what they were supposed to fear, and this was by which the law would implant. Courage was the basic transfer of justice of a citizen to him.
Quote: If you add the words of a citizen the you will not be far wrong... excluded mere uninstructed courage.
- Socrates
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Book 4 Introduction |
Logos and Thymos |
Eros and Justice |
Plato Links