Plutarch was a prominent philosopher, biographer, and essayist who lived during the first and second centuries AD in ancient Greece. He is best known for his Parallel Lives, a series of biographies of famous Greeks and Romans, and his Moralia, a collection of ethical and philosophical essays. Plutarch’s moral philosophy is grounded in his belief in the unity of all things, the importance of virtue, and the pursuit of excellence. This essay will examine Plutarch’s moral philosophy in more detail.
Plutarch believed that the universe was a unified whole and that everything in it was interconnected. He believed that there was a divine force or intelligence that governed the universe, and that humans had a duty to live in harmony with this force. Plutarch’s belief in the unity of all things is reflected in his statement, “All things are bound together, and the bond is sacred; and scarcely one thing is foreign to another, for they have been arranged together in their places and together make the same ordered Universe.”
Plutarch believed that the purpose of human life was to achieve excellence, which he called arete. Arete was not just a matter of external success, such as wealth or fame, but also involved the cultivation of virtue. Plutarch believed that virtue was the foundation of excellence and that it was necessary for individuals to cultivate virtues such as courage, justice, wisdom, and self-control in order to achieve arete.
Plutarch believed that virtue was not innate, but was something that could be acquired through education and practice. He believed that education was crucial in the cultivation of virtue, and that individuals should be taught to think critically, to be self-aware, and to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses. Plutarch believed that individuals should be taught to value the pursuit of excellence over external success, and that they should strive to be good rather than simply to do good.
Plutarch believed that the pursuit of excellence required a balance between the intellectual and the moral aspects of life. He believed that individuals should cultivate their intellects through the study of philosophy, literature, and the arts, but that they should also cultivate their moral character through the practice of virtue. Plutarch believed that the cultivation of both the intellectual and the moral aspects of life was necessary for individuals to achieve arete.
Plutarch believed that individuals should strive to live in accordance with nature, which he saw as a manifestation of the divine intelligence that governed the universe. He believed that individuals should live in harmony with the natural world and that they should respect and protect the environment. Plutarch also believed that individuals should live in accordance with their own nature, recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses and striving to develop their talents and abilities to their fullest potential.
Plutarch believed that individuals should strive to live a life of moderation, avoiding excess and indulgence. He believed that individuals should practice self-control and that they should avoid the pursuit of pleasure for its own sake. Plutarch believed that the pursuit of pleasure was not inherently bad, but that it should be pursued in a balanced and moderate way, and that it should be subordinated to the pursuit of excellence and virtue.
Plutarch believed that individuals should strive to be good citizens, contributing to the welfare of their communities and working to promote social justice. He believed that individuals had a duty to help others and to promote the common good, and that they should strive to live in a just and equitable society. Plutarch believed that individuals should be active in politics and should work to promote social reform and progress.
In conclusion, Plutarch’s moral philosophy emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life in pursuit of excellence. He believed that the universe was a unified whole and that individuals had a duty to live in harmony with it. Plutarch believed that the pursuit of excellence required a balance between the intellectual and the moral aspects of life, and that individuals should strive to cultivate both in order to achieve arete. He also emphasized the importance of living in accordance with nature, practicing self-control, and contributing to the welfare of one’s community. Plutarch’s philosophy remains relevant today as it encourages individuals to cultivate their virtues and work towards a better society. Overall, Plutarch’s moral philosophy provides a guide for living a fulfilling and purposeful life, and serves as a reminder of the importance of virtue and excellence in human endeavors.