What is the Greek definition of virtue?

What is the Greek definition of virtue?

The Greek word for virtue is ‘ARETE’. For the Greeks, the notion of virtue is tied to the notion of function (ERGON). The virtues of something are what enable it to perform excellently its proper function. Virtue (or arete) extends beyond the realm of morality; it concerns the excellent performance of any function.

What is the arete moral excellence all about?

In the moment of excellence, something transcends the mundane and touches the Ideal. For Plato, arete is mainly associated with moral excellence. It is superordinate to specific moral virtues of Courage, Temperance, Justice, etc.; something they all share, a special, unnamed quality, their essence.

What is Greek virtue in the Greek myths?

The idea of virtue and its role in ethical behavior comes from Greek philosophy. Plato, who lived in the fourth century B.C., identified four virtues that have become influential concepts in Western civilization. Now known as the four cardinal virtues, they are wisdom, courage, moderation and justice.

How did Plato define arete?

‘ARETE’ IN PRE-PLATONIC THOUGHT. In its fully developed form, Plato’s theory of the individual grounds the individual’s a1’ete on human nature. Specifically it is the soul which is the bearer of individual value or worth.

What are the 7 virtues in the Bible?

The seven heavenly virtues are faith, hope, charity, fortitude, justice, temperance and prudence.

What is the main idea of virtue ethics?

Virtue ethics mainly deals with the honesty and morality of a person. It states that practicing good habits such as honesty, generosity makes a moral and virtuous person. It guides a person without specific rules for resolving the ethical complexity.

What is meant by arete?

Arete (Greek: ἀρετή) is a concept in ancient Greek thought that, in its most basic sense, refers to “excellence” of any kind. The term may also mean “moral virtue”.

What does miasma mean in Greek?

the stain of guilt
Miasma (μίασμα) means “stain, defilement” or “the stain of guilt” in Greek. Miasma is a god-sent disease that is caused by a murder that has not been atoned for (with proper purification rituals). A miasma can fall upon an entire city when one man in that city is guilty of a murder and has not atoned for it.

What is Greek word arete?

What is the ancient Greek word which means living and doing well?

Eudaimonia
Eudaimonia and happiness. Despite this etymology, however, discussions of eudaimonia in ancient Greek ethics are often conducted independently of any super-natural significance. In his Nicomachean Ethics (1095a15–22) Aristotle says that eudaimonia means ‘doing and living well’.