Aretology
/ˌærɪˈtɒlədʒi/noun
The philosophical study of virtue, especially the nature and development of moral excellence.
Did you know?In ancient Greek philosophy, aretē meant more than moral goodness: it described excellence or the fulfillment of a thing’s true function, from a warrior to a flute.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Hellenic / Ancient Greek roots
Greek
*aristos
“Best or most excellent; the reconstructed source associated with the Greek excellence vocabulary.”
5th–4th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
aretē
“Excellence, virtue, courage, or the fulfillment of one’s distinctive capacity.”
4th Century BCE
Ancient Greek
aretologia
“A discourse or systematic account of virtue.”
Late Classical–Medieval scholarship
Greek/Latin
aretologia
“Philosophical writing or teaching concerning virtue and moral excellence.”
19th–20th Century
English
aretology
“A philosophical term for the study or theory of virtue.”
Modern English
English
aretology
“The study of virtue, especially in ethics and moral philosophy.”
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