VIRTUES

The Meaning of Virtue:

The word virtue (a'pern') is derived from Greek language, which means "excellence of any kind." In ethics virtue is a quality of character or an attitude to do what is right in a particular direction or a habit of correct action. 

Honesty in dealings, to be faithful in married relations, to be always true to your words, are all examples of virtue. There is no great difference between duty and virtue, when a duty is performed with an extra sense of responsibility, it is called virtue

The concept of virtue may change in different situations The virtue of "courage" in a soldier may have a different meaning as compared to courage of ruler, a soldier may courageously sacrifice his life, while a ruler king may suppress a rebellion courageously. 

Virtue is always relative to circumstance Lets take "justice" as a virtue, a ruler will be just if he seeks the good of his subjects and not his own good, in this case he possesses the virtue of justice.

According to Socrates, "knowledge is virtue, knowledge will enable and individual to differentiate between good and evil, he will follow the right path. This will be possible through a process of education. In addition to other subjects, importance will be given to literature (music) and gymnastics as the study of these subjects will create a harmony between strength and softness of character.

 The individual will turn out to be a strong and powerful person, but he will not be cruel. He will be compassionate & sympathetic in his treatment of others. Socrates further explains three parts of human nature, there is a rational part which is called brain/mind, its virtue is wisdom,

 it is the thoughtful attitude of the individual to know what is right & what is wrong in life. The second one is the spirited part, it keeps a control over emotions and appetite, it is called the "guts," its

characteristic is courage, which is the virtue of the fighting part of human nature. The third and the largest part of human nature is the appositive part, it consists of appetites & desires, called instincts, its virtue is temperate, IE, to keep a balance & not to go to an extreme. 

Justice is the result of all parts of an individual working in harmony. Socrates stated that justice is the normal healthy condition of the soul and vice or injustice is a diseased condition.