Final answer:
Socrates believed that virtue could be taught, linking virtue to knowledge. Plato extended Socrates's views, advocating for education in virtue for philosopher-kings. In contrast, Aristotle emphasized moral virtues arising from habit, while intellectual virtues came from teaching.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socrates, through the accounts of his student Plato, is the philosopher who believed that virtue could be taught. Socrates argued that virtue is closely linked to knowledge; essentially, if one truly knows what is good, one will act virtuously. According to Socrates, the acquisition of knowledge and the pursuit of truth lead to virtuous behavior, which indicated his belief that virtue did not come naturally but could be fostered through proper education.
Furthermore, Plato, a student of Socrates, developed this idea in his works, suggesting that philosopher-kings, individuals who are educated to understand the true nature of the world, should rule the polis. In essence, Plato's concept of an ideal ruler involved extensive education in virtue and wisdom. His teacher's influence is evident in the insistence on the teachability of virtue through knowledge and understanding.
In contrast to Socrates and Plato, the Sophists held the view that success was the highest virtue, which was to be achieved through rhetorical skills and adaptability rather than the pursuit of objective truth. This approach was practical, aimed at preparing individuals to thrive in their community.
Aristotle, Plato's student, further explored the nature of virtue in his ethical writings, particularly in the Nicomachean Ethics. Aristotle delineated between intellectual virtues, derived from teaching, and moral virtues, which he believed were a result of habit. Although he recognized that humans have a natural potential for virtue, he argued that it is realized through practice and habituation.