Plutarch, On Moral Virtue - Temperance And Self-Control - Sadler's Lectures

Plutarch, On Moral Virtue - Temperance And Self-Control - Sadler's Lectures

Author: Lectures on classic and contemporary philosophical texts and thinkers by Gregory B. Sadler August 2, 2026 Duration: 14:46
This lecture discusses key ideas from the ancient philosopher and biographer Plutarch's short work On Moral Virtue This episode focuses specifically on the distinction he draws between temperance (sophrosunē), which is a virtue, and self-control (enkrateia), which is not a virtue but is a good state. Both of them involve two parts of the human soul, the rational and irrational part. In both of them, the rational part is in good condition and functioning well, but they differ in how the irrational, emotional, desirous part happens to be. In temperance, the irrational part obeys reason because it is in good condition, while in self-control, the irrational part has to be compelled to obey reason because it is not in good condition yet. You can find the copy of the text I am using for this sequence on Plutarch's On Moral Virtue here - amzn.to/3gpyrS3 To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 4000 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler (Amazon links are associate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

For those drawn to deep, sustained engagement with ideas, Sadler's Lectures offers a quiet space for intellectual exploration. Guided by Gregory B. Sadler, this audio series transforms his extensive library of video lectures into a purely auditory experience, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in close readings and thoughtful commentaries on philosophical works. The discussions span the entire tradition, from the foundational texts of Plato and Aristotle to the complex arguments of modern and contemporary thinkers. Each episode functions as a self-contained lecture, carefully unpacking concepts, tracing arguments, and clarifying the nuances that make these texts enduring. The approach is scholarly yet accessible, prioritizing clarity and understanding over performative debate. This podcast is built for anyone seeking to supplement their studies, revisit classic ideas, or simply think alongside a knowledgeable guide during a commute or walk. The existence and ongoing conversion of this material into podcast form is made possible directly by listener support through Patreon, a testament to the community value found in this educational resource. Tune in for a direct, unadorned journey through the landscapes of philosophy, one thinker and one text at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Sadler's Lectures
Podcast Episodes
Plutarch, On Virtue And Vice - Sadler's Lectures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:11
This lecture discusses key ideas from the ancient philosopher and biographer Plutarch's short work On Virtue and Vice This episode focuses on his discussion why living pleasantly and happily requires a person to develop…
Plutarch, On Moral Virtue - Virtue As A Mean - Sadler's Lectures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
This lecture discusses key ideas from the ancient philosopher and biographer Plutarch's short work On Moral Virtue This episode focuses specifically on his discussion about how virtue is a mean, which bears some similari…