Ethical Issues In Philoctetes
An ethical problem evident/developed in the last section of Philoctetes by Sophocles, when Heracles was introduced in the play. The last section focuses on the opposition of Neoptolemus, Odysseus, and Philoctetes honesty and honorable men of action. The ethical problem shown in this third section (1120-1331), is about Neoptolemon holding on to the bow and later realizing the ashamed feeling approaching him, and he is now debating on giving it back. Meanwhile, Odysseus appears, and a series of arguments ensue because he opposes on the idea Neoptolemon has on giving the bow back. After all the fights, threats made by both sides, Odysseus decides to leave (1300). Knowing right from wrong, Neoptolemon decides and does the right thing by giving
the bow back. This falls into the category of Virtual Ethics. According to The Basics of Philosophy, “Virtue Theory is an approach to ethics that emphasizes and individual’s character as the key element of ethical thinking, rather than the consequences of actions”. Neoptolemon learns a virtue that concerns the proper way to respond to unjust harm. As he tries to make things right Neoptolemon approaches Philoctetes and tries to talk to him into going to Troy, but he does not agree. At the end Neoptolemon risk exposing himself him to the anger of the army by bringing Philoctetes back to Greece.
the bow back. This falls into the category of Virtual Ethics. According to The Basics of Philosophy, “Virtue Theory is an approach to ethics that emphasizes and individual’s character as the key element of ethical thinking, rather than the consequences of actions”. Neoptolemon learns a virtue that concerns the proper way to respond to unjust harm. As he tries to make things right Neoptolemon approaches Philoctetes and tries to talk to him into going to Troy, but he does not agree. At the end Neoptolemon risk exposing himself him to the anger of the army by bringing Philoctetes back to Greece.