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Single Idea 24331

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 1. Nature of Value / c. Objective value]

Full Idea

Each state has its own special set of things that are pleasant or noble, and the excellent person is perhaps distinguished most by his seeing what is true in each case, since he is like a standard and measure of them.

Gist of Idea

The excellent person is a standard of values, because they grasp the nature of things

Source

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics [c.334 BCE], 1113a31)

A Reaction

Seems like a subjective view of value, decided by superior individuals, but the point is that such people see what is 'true'. The excellent person is Aristotle's bridge between subjective and objective views. Excellence is now unfashionable!

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Nicomachean Ethics', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2024], p.42