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What is the Greek philosophy that states virtue is the greatest good and one must endure hardship without complaint?

User Tim Sands
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Final answer:

The Greek philosophy that emphasizes that virtue is paramount and one should stoically endure hardship is Stoicism, which aligns with the virtue ethics of ancient Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Greek philosophy that states virtue is the greatest good and that one must endure hardship without complaint is Stoicism. Stoicism proposes a life guided by virtues such as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. It emphasizes achieving eudaimonia (human flourishing) through rational self-control and maintaining inner freedom, regardless of external circumstances. This philosophy was deeply rooted in the virtue ethics established by earlier Greek philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, who all argued that virtue, or aretē, was pivotal to a good life and integral to flourishing. Aristotle discussed virtue as the mean between excess and deficiency in actions and feelings, whereas the Stoics focused on the complete sufficiency of virtue for eudaimonia. Virtue ethics and Stoicism highlight the importance of personal excellence and constant moral self-examination.

User Colton White
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