Dive into the intriguing debate on whether virtue can be taught or is an innate quality. Socrates raises thought-provoking questions about the failures of great figures to instill goodness in their children. The discussion navigates historical examples, challenging the belief that education alone shapes moral character. Ultimately, it suggests that true virtue may be a divine gift, enriching individuals and society alike. A philosophical journey into the essence of what makes us good!
The podcast debates the nature of virtue, questioning whether it can be taught or is simply an inherent divine gift.
Socrates emphasizes that true virtue may not be transferable through education or mentorship, but rather bestowed by a higher power.
Deep dives
The Nature of Virtue: Teachability vs. Inherent Goodness
The podcast explores whether virtue can be taught or if it is an inherent quality. Socrates engages in a dialogue questioning if individuals can become good through mentorship, similar to how one learns specific trades from skilled practitioners. Despite referencing historical figures like Themistocles and Pericles, the conversation reveals that there is little evidence to support the idea that these individuals successfully mentored others to become virtuous. The implication is that, unlike skills such as cooking or medicine, virtue does not have a clear method of transmission or teaching.
Divine Influence in the Development of Goodness
The discussion culminates in the notion that virtue may be a divine attribute rather than a learned skill or innate characteristic. Socrates suggests that good individuals may bear a unique, almost prophetic quality, similarly to oracle speakers, which is not achieved through traditional education or inheritance. This perspective posits that the presence of virtuous individuals in a society is a result of divine will, who are gifted to the community as a form of guidance. The conclusion drawn is that the cultivation of virtue is removed from human effort and instead relies on a higher power's influence.
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Exploring the Nature of Virtue: Divine Inspiration or Learned Skill?
On Virtue (ΠΕΡΙ ΑΡΕΤΗΣ) may not have been written by Plato. Socrates asks his friend the following questions: If virtue can be taught why were eminent Greeks of the past unable to teach their own children to be good? If virtue is a natural characteristic why aren't there specialists who can identify which children will grow up to become good? Socrates and his friend conclude that virtue must be a divine gift to the individual for the benefit of the state. Painting: The Fall of the Rebel Angels by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
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