Arete

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Annibale Carracci - The Choice of Heracles - WGA4416

Arete (Greek: ἀρετή) is a concept in ancient Greek philosophy that, in its most basic sense, refers to excellence of any kind. The term may also mean "moral virtue". In its earliest appearance in Greek, this notion of excellence was ultimately bound up with the notion of the fulfillment of purpose or function: the act of living up to one's full potential.

Etymology and Historical Context

The word arete derives from the ancient Greek word ἀρετή, meaning excellence or virtue. In its earliest usage, arete encompassed not only moral and intellectual virtues but also physical qualities and skills. It was a central concept in Homer's works, where it was often associated with bravery and effectiveness in battle. However, the concept evolved significantly over time, especially within the philosophical discourses of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Philosophical Perspectives

1. 1. 1. Socratic Arete###

In Socratic philosophy, arete involves more than just excellence in traditional virtues; it is closely linked to the knowledge of the good. Socrates argued that knowledge is virtue and that no one does wrong knowingly. Therefore, to achieve arete, one must understand what is truly good and act accordingly.

1. 1. 1. Platonic Arete###

Plato expanded on Socratic ideas and suggested that arete is tied to the fulfillment of one's role in society and the realization of one's potential. In his Republic, Plato describes a stratified society where the arete of each class differs, being wisdom for the ruling class, courage for the warriors, and temperance for the producers.

1. 1. 1. Aristotelian Arete###

Aristotle's notion of arete is perhaps the most comprehensive, as he associates it with the concept of the Golden Mean—a desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency. For Aristotle, arete involves fulfilling one's function in accordance with reason, which is the distinctive function of human beings. Virtue, then, is a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean.

Arete in Other Contexts

While arete is most commonly associated with individual moral and intellectual virtues, the concept also extends to other domains. In Hellenistic cultures, arete could encompass physical beauty, strength, and even nobility of birth. In the context of objects or places, arete refers to the idea of excellence or superiority. For example, in Homer's Iliad, the shield of Achilles is described with arete, signifying its craftsmanship and effectiveness in battle.

Legacy

The concept of arete had a profound influence on Western civilization and continues to be a subject of interest in modern philosophical and ethical discussions. It has been interpreted and reinterpreted in various cultural and historical contexts, reflecting the evolving understanding of what it means to live a life of excellence and virtue.