Final answer:
Plato's four primary moral virtues are Courage, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom, which are fundamental to his vision of a well-ordered state governed by philosopher-kings who understand the eternal forms of truth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plato's Four Primary Moral Virtues
The four primary moral virtues according to Plato are A) Courage, Temperance, Justice, and Wisdom. Political philosophers like Plato have contributed significantly to the understanding of virtue and its role in the state. Plato argued for the foundational virtues upon which a well-ordered state should be built. Guardians must possess wisdom and courage, while all members of the city should exhibit discipline to uphold societal harmony.
To Plato, justice wasn't simply about adhering to laws but about everyone doing their part for the common good. Wealth accumulation was seen as detrimental, as it might lead to laziness and selfishness, which could disrupt peace in the city.
Plato's concept of virtue was also tied to his Theory of Forms, which places ultimate truth in an eternal, unchanging reality. His philosophy suggests that those who understand the true nature of virtues would naturally act by them. This idea is why he proposed that the rulers should be philosopher-kings, individuals who understand the forms and strive to modern their lives according to these virtues.