Immorality or Immortality? An Argument for Virtue
Author(s) -
Merrick Anderson
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
rhetorica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.106
H-Index - 15
eISSN - 1533-8541
pISSN - 0734-8584
DOI - 10.1525/rh.2019.37.2.97
Subject(s) - immorality , virtue , argument (complex analysis) , immortality , morality , philosophy , reputation , epistemology , injustice , incompatibilism , free will , sociology , law , compatibilism , theology , social science , political science , chemistry , biochemistry
In the 5th century a number of sophists challenged the orthodox understanding of morality and claimed that practicing injustice was the best and most profitable way for an individual to live. Although a number of responses to sophistic immoralism were made, one argument, in fact coming from a pair of sophists, has not received the attention it deserves. According to the argument I call Immortal Repute, self-interested individuals should reject immorality and cultivate virtue instead, for only a virtuous agent can win the sort of everlasting reputation that makes a life truly admirable and successful.
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