In this paper I explore some philosophical underpinnings of perfect virtue in Simonides’ Ode to Scopas, an ideal which Socrates discusses in Plato’s Protagoras. In the first place, I argue that Socrates is right in identifying in the Simonidean poem a distinction between “being virtuous” and “becoming virtuous.” Then, I contend that Simonides’ perfectly virtuous man conveys not only an idea of moral rigour but also adaptability to different circumstances. Finally, I stress the precarious nature of perfect excellence in Simonides’ thought and conclude that Plato means to underscore its philosophical relevance as a model of supreme ethical virtue.

Elena Irrera (2022). Perfect Virtue in Simonides’ Ode to Scopas: Exploring Some Philosophical Underpinnings of the Tetragōnos Man. THE CLASSICAL WORLD, 115(2), 131-156 [10.1353/clw.2022.0001].

Perfect Virtue in Simonides’ Ode to Scopas: Exploring Some Philosophical Underpinnings of the Tetragōnos Man

Elena Irrera
2022

Abstract

In this paper I explore some philosophical underpinnings of perfect virtue in Simonides’ Ode to Scopas, an ideal which Socrates discusses in Plato’s Protagoras. In the first place, I argue that Socrates is right in identifying in the Simonidean poem a distinction between “being virtuous” and “becoming virtuous.” Then, I contend that Simonides’ perfectly virtuous man conveys not only an idea of moral rigour but also adaptability to different circumstances. Finally, I stress the precarious nature of perfect excellence in Simonides’ thought and conclude that Plato means to underscore its philosophical relevance as a model of supreme ethical virtue.
2022
Elena Irrera (2022). Perfect Virtue in Simonides’ Ode to Scopas: Exploring Some Philosophical Underpinnings of the Tetragōnos Man. THE CLASSICAL WORLD, 115(2), 131-156 [10.1353/clw.2022.0001].
Elena Irrera
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/861304
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