Multiple choice

With reference to Socrates, ethical virtues consist in the subordination of human passions and appetites to reason. However, a person may be overwhelmed by his emotions and take the unethical route. Which of the following sayings sums up this situation?

  1. Virtue renders virtue is easy.

  2. The unexamined life is not worth living.

  3. For if death is, we are not; if we are, death is not.

  4. Knowledge is virtue.

  5. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
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E Correct answer
Explanation

Socrates holds that no one knowingly does what is bad. Socratic view that knowledge of morals is sufficient to make a man virtuous. A man may reason correctly and discover the correct moral course. However, he may be overwhelmed by his emotions and take the unethical moral course. The saying, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" sums up this situation.

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