Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 5 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"Plutarch
Philosophy
Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 5 (of 5) : $b Comprising all his works collected under the title of "Morals"
Plutarch
Classical literature; Essays; Ethics; Philosophy
After this we are to declare what this term “conditionally” means; for
it is to be thought that Fate is also some such thing. That then is
said to be conditionally, which is supposed to exist not of itself or
absolutely, but as really dependent upon and joined to another; which
signifies a suit and consequence. “And this is the sanction of Adrastea
(or an inevitable ordinance), that whatever soul, being an attendant
on God, shall see any thing of truth, shall till another revolution be
exempt from punishment; and if it is always able to do the same, it
shall never suffer any damage.”[112] This is said both conditionally
and also universally. Now that Fate is some such thing is clearly
manifest, as well from its substance as from its name. For it is called
εἱμαρμένη as being εἰρομένη, that is, dependent and linked; and it is
a sanction or law, because things are therein ordained and disposed
consequentially, as is usual in civil government.
5. We ought in the next place to consider and treat of
mutual relation and affection; that is, what reference and respect Fate
has to divine Providence, what to Fortune, what also to “that which
is in our power,” what to contingent and other such like things; and
furthermore we are to determine, how far and in what it is true or
false that all things happen and are done by and according to Fate.
For if the meaning is, that all things are comprehended and contained
in Fate, it must be granted that this proposition is true; and if any
would farther have it so understood, that all things which are done
amongst men, on earth, and in heaven are placed in Fate, let this also
pass as granted for the present. But if (as the expression seems rather
to imply) the “being done according to Fate” signifies not all things,
but only that which is an immediate consequent of Fate, then it must
not be said that all things happen and are done by and according to
Fate, though all things are so according to Fate as to be comprised in
it. For all things that the law comprehends and of which it speaks are
not legal or according to law; for it comprehends treason, it treats
of the cowardly running away from one’s colors in time of battle,
of adultery, and many other such like things, of which it cannot be
said that any one of them is lawful. Neither indeed can I affirm of
the performing a valorous act in war, the killing of a tyrant, or the
doing any other virtuous deed, that it is legal; because that only is
proper to be called legal, which is commanded by the law. Now if the
law commands these things, how can they avoid being rebels against
the law and transgressors of it, who neither perform valiant feats of
arms, kill tyrants, nor do any other such remarkable acts of virtue?
And if they are transgressors of the law, why is it not just they
should be punished? But if this is not reasonable, it must then be
also confessed that these things are not legal or according to law;
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account