Can Virtue Be Taught?

Variations on a Theme by Socrates

Authors

  • Howard B. Radest Humanist Institute

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/eph.v20i2.45

Keywords:

humanism, Socrates, virtue

Abstract

2500 years ago, Socrates wrestled with the question: Can virtue be taught? And I’m still at it. I recall my experience as an Ethical Culture Leader, the head of the Ethical Culture Fieldston Schools, and Board Chair of the Ethical Community Charter School in Jersey City. Once more, I reflect on a life-long vocation: the problem of knowing, judging, deciding, and acting ethically. Can virtue be taught? Socrates answered “yes” and “no.” Figuring out what that means remains a continuing puzzle, which inspired this article.

Author Biography

  • Howard B. Radest, Humanist Institute

    Dr. Radest is Dean Emeritus of the Humanist Institute, and former Director of the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York.

References

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Downloads

Published

2013-11-06

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2012)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Radest, H. (2013). Can Virtue Be Taught? Variations on a Theme by Socrates. Essays in the Philosophy of Humanism, 20(2), 45-61. https://doi.org/10.1558/eph.v20i2.45