What does the Greek word Arete mean?

excellence
Arete (Greek: ἀρετή) is a concept in ancient Greek thought that, in its most basic sense, refers to “excellence” of any kind. The term may also mean “moral virtue”.

How did Plato define Arete?

(Greek, the goodness or excellence of a thing) The goodness or virtue of a person. In the thought of Plato and Aristotle virtue is connected with performing a function (ergon), just as an eye is good if it performs its proper function of vision. This is its telos or purpose (see also teleology).

What is the Greek ideal of Arete?

Arete is an ancient Greek word meaning excellence or virtue. The arete of something is the highest quality state it can reach. Using arete as a principle for living life means that you are focused on the quality of everything you do and experience. Avoid actions that lack arete.

Where does the Greek word Arete come from?

In ancient Greece, arete meant “goodness” or “excellence”. It’s related to araomai, to pray, and to aristos, meaning “the best.” That’s where the word “aristocracy” comes from. Aristocracy is the rule of the best people.

What does Greek word polis mean?

city-state
polis, plural poleis, ancient Greek city-state. The small state in Greece originated probably from the natural divisions of the country by mountains and the sea and from the original local tribal (ethnic) and cult divisions. The polis centred on one town, usually walled, but included the surrounding countryside.

What is Greek for virtue?

Virtue is a general term that translates the Greek word aretê. Sometimes aretê is also translated as excellence. Many objects, natural or artificial, have their particular aretê or kind of excellence.

How is arete important to Greek culture?

Through their temples, sculpture, and pottery, the Greeks incorporated a fundamental principle of their culture: arete. To the Greeks, arete meant excellence and reaching one’s full potential. Arete is an ancient Greek word meaning excellence or virtue. The arete of something is the highest quality state it can reach.

What are the two kinds of arete?

There are two kinds of virtue: intellectual and moral. We learn intellectual virtues by instruction, and we learn moral virtues by habit and constant practice.

What are the 2 meanings of the word polis?

Other definitions for polis (2 of 2) -polis. a combining form, meaning “city,” appearing in loanwords from Greek (metropolis), and used in the formation of placenames (Annapolis).

What is the best definition of polis?

polis, plural poleis, ancient Greek city-state. The small state in Greece originated probably from the natural divisions of the country by mountains and the sea and from the original local tribal (ethnic) and cult divisions.

What are the 5 Greek virtues?

During Socrates’ lifetime, it was usually assumed that there are five cardinal virtues: wisdom, moderation/temperance, bravery, justice, piety.

What are the four main Greek virtues?

They are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance.

What does the word Arete mean in Greek?

Arete is an ancient Greek word meaning excellence or virtue. The arete of something is the highest quality state it can reach. Using arete as a principle for living life means that you are focused on the quality of everything you do and experience.

What is the meaning of the Greek word joy?

Joy – Chara (Greek Word Study) Updated: Mon, 08/08/2016 – 19:57 By admin. Joy (5479) (chara) (and rejoice) is Greek noun which describes a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing. Joy is a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing.

What does it mean to live life according to Arete?

Using arete as a principle for living life means that you are focused on the quality of everything you do and experience. Avoid actions that lack arete. Take actions that focus on arete. When most people think of virtue, they look at moral virtue.

What does Arete mean in the Iliad and Odyssey?

In Homer ‘s Iliad and Odyssey, ” arete ” is used mainly to describe heroes and nobles and their mobile dexterity, with special reference to strength and courage, but it is not limited to this. Penelope ‘s arete, for example, relates to co-operation, for which she is praised by Agamemnon.