Is virtue teachable?

Definition

The question of whether virtue is teachable examines the nature of moral character and the possibility of instilling ethical qualities through education or practice. This debate connects closely to the rise of sophistry, as sophists claimed to teach virtues and practical skills, often emphasizing rhetoric and persuasion over a deeper moral understanding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sophists argued that virtue could be taught through skillful persuasion and education, often leading to debates on whether true moral character can be acquired.
2. Socrates, in contrast to sophists, believed that virtue is innate and cannot be taught but can be revealed through self-examination and dialogue.
3. The tension between sophistic claims and Socratic ideals highlighted the differences in understanding virtue as either a practical skill or a moral quality.
4. The rise of sophistry coincided with a growing emphasis on individualism and relativism in ancient Greek society, reflecting broader cultural shifts.
5. This question remains relevant today in discussions about ethics education, moral development, and whether character can be formed or changed through teaching.

Review Questions

• How did the views of sophists regarding the teachability of virtue differ from those of Socrates?
  • Sophists believed that virtue could be taught through education and persuasive skills, focusing on practical knowledge rather than moral integrity. In contrast, Socrates argued that true virtue is not something that can be taught but must be realized through self-examination and philosophical inquiry. This fundamental difference highlights the conflict between viewing virtue as a teachable skill versus an intrinsic quality.
• Discuss how the debate over whether virtue is teachable reflects broader cultural shifts in ancient Greece.
  • The debate over the teachability of virtue reflects significant cultural shifts towards individualism and relativism in ancient Greece. As society became more focused on personal achievement and rhetoric, sophists emerged to meet the demand for skills that could enhance one's social standing. This shift contrasted with earlier values that emphasized communal ethics and innate moral qualities, demonstrating how changing societal norms influenced philosophical thought.
• Evaluate the implications of the idea that virtue is teachable for modern education systems and ethical training.
  • If virtue is considered teachable, modern education systems may focus more on developing character through structured ethical training and moral reasoning activities. This perspective could lead to curricula designed to instill virtues like honesty, empathy, and responsibility. Conversely, if virtue is seen as innate or not fully teachable, educational approaches might emphasize critical thinking and self-reflection over direct moral instruction, impacting how character development is integrated into learning environments.

Related terms

Sophists: Sophists were professional educators in ancient Greece who taught various subjects, particularly rhetoric, and were known for their relativistic views on truth and morality.

Ethics: Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with questions about morality, including concepts of right and wrong, virtue, and justice.

Socratic Method: The Socratic Method is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue that uses questioning to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas, particularly in the context of ethical inquiry.