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for we are inquiring not in order to know what virtue is, but in order to become good, since otherwise our inquiry would have been of no use
Aristotle
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The purpose of studying virtue is to improve ourselves, not just to acquire knowledge.

Aristotle emphasizes that the goal of philosophical inquiry into virtue should be rooted in the desire to cultivate goodness and ethical behavior within ourselves. Simply knowing what virtue is, without striving to embody it, renders our pursuit of knowledge pointless, as true wisdom is reflected in our actions and character.

Themes

VirtueGoodnessInquiryKnowledgePhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on moral philosophy at a university seminar.

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