Aretē (Virtue)

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  • Virtue, which for Epicurus is not absolute or an end in itself. The virtues are chosen because they bring about a pleasant life, and they are inseparable from it: it is impossible to live pleasantly without living prudently, honorably, and justly. See Virtue Is Not Absolute Or An End In Itself.

    Greek ἀρετή (aretē); Latin virtus

    Virtue, which for Epicurus is not absolute or an end in itself. The virtues are chosen because they bring about a pleasant life, and they are inseparable from it: it is impossible to live pleasantly without living prudently, honorably, and justly. See Virtue Is Not Absolute Or An End In Itself.

    1. Key Texts

    Quote from Diogenes Laertius 10.138

    Epicurus says that virtue is preferred for the sake of pleasure, and not for its own sake, just as the doctor's art is employed for the sake of health. Epicurus says also that virtue alone is inseparable from pleasure, but that other things may be separated, such as things to eat. (Bailey)

    Shortly I will speak about imprudence, but for the present about the virtues and pleasure. Now if the question at issue between these people [the Stoics] and ourselves involved examining 'what is the means of happiness?' and they wanted to say the virtues, as is in fact true, there would be no need to do anything except to agree with them. But since the issue is not 'what is the means of happiness?' but what being happy is and what our nature ultimately desires, I affirm now and always, with a great shout to all Greeks and foreigners, pleasure is the end of the best lifestyle, while the virtues which are now being inappropriately fussed about by them are in no way the end, but the means to the end. (tr. Long & Sedley)

    2. See Also

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