# Plato — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Plato in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0064-i-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-propriety

## Who they are

Greek philosopher whose views on virtue and the soul are discussed.

## Relationships

### [Aristotle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/aristotle)

_professional_

Aristotle was Plato's student and later a critic of his theory of Forms.

### [Zeno](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/zeno)

_professional_

Zeno's Stoicism was influenced by and reacted against Platonic philosophy.

## In the story

### [II: Of the Order in Which Societies Are by Nature Recommended to Our Beneficence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-the-order-in-which-societies-are-by-nature-recommended-to-our-beneficence)

Plato's maxim against using violence to one's country is cited as a foundational principle for the truly public-spirited legislator.

### [Part VII: Of Systems of Moral Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/part-vii-of-systems-of-moral-philosophy)

Plato's system of virtue as the proper government of the soul is referenced.

### [Of Those Systems Which Make Virtue Consist in Propriety](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/i-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-propriety)

Plato's system of virtue as the harmony of the soul's faculties is discussed, equating justice with perfect propriety.

### [Of Those Systems Which Make Virtue Consist in Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-prudence)

Mentioned as one of the philosophers who held that virtue is desirable for its own sake and that there are many primary objects of natural desire beyond bodily pleasure.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/endnotes)

Mentioned in a footnote alongside Homer and Cicero.

## Links

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