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Immorality or Immortality? An Argument for Virtue
- Rhetorica
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 37, Number 2, Spring 2019
- pp. 97-119
- 10.1353/rht.2019.0017
- Article
- Additional Information
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Abstract:
In the 5th century a number of sophists challenged the orthodox understanding of morality and claimed that practicing injustice was the best and most profitable way for an individual to live. Although a number of responses to sophistic immoralism were made, one argument, in fact coming from a pair of sophists, has not received the attention it deserves. According to the argument I call Immortal Repute, self-interested individuals should reject immorality and cultivate virtue instead, for only a virtuous agent can win the sort of everlasting reputation that makes a life truly admirable and successful.