Philosophy 101: Virtue
Cleopatra and Ed Scholz
Philosophy 101: Virtue
As a 15-year-old, Temar demonstrated courage and a sense of civic duty when he and his friend searched for a missing 5-year-old girl and successfully returned her to her parents. He was hailed as a hero in his community and even honoured on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. However, years later, Temar was sentenced to prison for robbing a grocery store at gunpoint. This stark contrast raises questions about the nature of virtue and whether one action, or even one moment, can truly define a person’s character.
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates also grappled with the question of virtue in his teachings. Socrates believed that virtue is innate in all human beings and that it can be cultivated and nurtured through self-knowledge and self-improvement. He believed that the pursuit of virtue is the ultimate goal of human life, and that the key to achieving this is through the examination of one’s own beliefs and actions.
In comparing the story of Temar to the teachings of Socrates, it is clear that being a good person is not a one-time event or accomplishment, but a lifelong pursuit. It is a complex and nuanced endeavour that involves constantly striving to improve oneself and make good choices. In Temar’s case, his actions as a teenager were admirable and heroic, but it appears that something went awry in his life that led him to make poor choices. This serves as a reminder that the journey towards virtue is not always a straight path and that society has a responsibility to provide support and guidance to help individuals stay on the right track.
In conclusion, the story of Temar Boggs and the teachings of Socrates both demonstrate the complexity of what it means to be a good person. The pursuit of virtue is a lifelong journey that requires constant self-reflection, self-improvement, and support from society. The case of Temar is a reminder that one action or moment should not define a person’s character, and that even those who have done great things can falter. Thus, it’s important to always strive to do what is right, and to remember that being a good person is a complex, nuanced endeavour that requires ongoing efforts.
