Provide a response to the civic leaders: which virtue should be prioritized in the law governing your society and in the education of its youth?
PREFACE
A group of civic leaders in your polis, tribe, nation, or kingdom come to you. They are worried that the faith of the people has run out; many fear that we may never see the greatness promised to them by sages, the ancestors, or the almighty god(s).
You explain to this group of leaders the theory of virtue. Patiently listening, the group hears you out as you explain the notion of excellence (arete) and compare its features to the four cardinal directions. You liken moderation, wisdom, courage, and justice to the points of the compass that your people are just now learning to navigate. Further, you identify easily noticeable pitfalls in conceptualizing and putting into practice any of these concepts (the obvious problem of excessive courage leading to danger, etc.). And you conclude by stating that thoroughly educating the people in this theory of virtue will lead surely to regeneration, if there is any truth in these concepts at all.
Humbled by their attention, you are nonetheless surprised by their query. The boldest steps forward and asks, “Ok sure, but which of these is most important?” Impatiently you try to insist on the comprehensive excellence of the virtues and the necessity of harmonizing them all, but they catch you in a difficult predicament. Your interlocutor interjects, “Suppose a course of action seems moderate and wise, but cowardly and potentially even unjust? How should we proceed?” Your usual replies seem unavailing, and the leaders demand an answer to their questions.
PROMPT
Provide a response to the civic leaders: which virtue should be prioritized in the law governing your society and in the education of its youth?
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