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[963a]

Clinias
Then, Stranger, was not the view we stated long ago the right one? We said1 that all our laws must always aim at one single object, which, as we agreed, is quite rightly named “virtue.”

Athenian
Yes.

Clinias
And we stated that virtue consists of four things.

Athenian
Certainly.

Clinias
And that the chief of all the four is reason,2 at which the other three, as well as everything else, should aim.

Athenian
You follow us admirably, Clinias; and now follow us in what comes next. In the case of the pilot, the doctor, and the general, reason is directed,

1 Cp. Plat. Laws 630e ff.

2 Cp. Plat. Laws 631c ff.: “reason” (or “wisdom”) as the most “divine” stands first, the others being temperance, justice and courage.

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