The Divine and Moral Works of Plato (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860. Excerpt: ... in that point: for virtue is one thing, and these are it- parts. But, said I to him, are these its parts, as the mouth, nose, ears and eyes are the parts of the face? Or are they parts like parts of gold, that are all of the same nature as the mass, and different from each other only in quantity? They are without douht parts of it, as the mouth and the nose are parts of the face. But, said I, do men acquire some one part of this virtue, and others another? Or is there a necessity that he who acquires one must acquire all?.- By no means, answered he. For you see every day people who are valiant and unjust, and others who are just without being wise. For valour and wisdom are only parts of virtue.' Assuredly, said he, and wisdom is the greatest of its parts. And is every one of its parts different from another? Without doubt. And every one has its properties: as in the parts of the face the eyes are not of the same use with the ears, and have different properties and faculties; and so of all the other parts, they are all different, and do not resemble each other either in torn or quality. Is it the same of the parts of virtue? Does no one of them in any wise resemble another? and do they absolutely differ in themselves and in their faculties? It is evident that they do not resemble each other at all, if it be the same of them as of the example which we have made use of. That is very certain, Socrates, and the example is just. Then said I to him, virtue has no other of its parts which resemble knowledge, justice, valour, temperance, or sanctity. No, without doubt. Come then, let you and I examine to the bottom the nature of every one of its parts. Let us begin with justice: is it-any thing or nothing? For my part, I think it is something: what do you th...