The semantic development of virtue. Philosophical comparison

Abstract

The concept of virtue is everywhere to be found in societies, from the ancient scriptures of yoga philosophy to Plato and Socrates, to modern day scrutiny. It has caused religious traditions, anthropologists and philosophers to have carefully contemplated what the term entails, its different aspects and how to interpret the virtues.The aim of this thesis is to illustrate and support the claim that the virtues are a part of the innate nature of human beings, and the key to happiness and prosperity in life. It examines the concept of virtue and its semantic development by studying and comparing the virtues of yoga philosophy, the yamas, to the ancient Greek philosophers, especially Socrates’s hypothesis of virtue being knowledge, and contemporary moral philosophy.History reveals that the semantic development of the concept of virtue remains relatively unchanged. It is therefore a reason to believe that the virtues are a subject to continual study and interpretation of good qualities in various societies because they are an internal natural part of human beings. They appear to be dormant until systematically awakened through practice where the aim is prosperity and lasting happiness in life. Only through an inner journey of self-scrutiny and dedication, which will lead to sharp objectivity and the willpower to practice the virtues, will they be activated and rendered a part of a person’s prosperous life and lasting happiness.