# Of Those Systems Which Make Virtue Consist in Prudence explained — The Theory of Moral Sentiments > Chapter companion for The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith. ## What happens This chapter examines Epicurus's system, which reduces all virtue to prudence by making bodily pleasure and pain the sole ultimate objects of desire and aversion. Smith contrasts this with the systems of Plato, Aristotle, and Zeno, who held that virtue is desirable for its own sake and that many other objects (knowledge, family, country) are ultimately valuable. Smith argues that Epicurus overlooked the profound human desire for praiseworthiness and the dread of being contemptible, which cannot be reduced to mere bodily consequences. However, Smith acknowledges that virtue is indeed prudent and advantageous, as Socrates argued, and that this prudential aspect adds an additional beauty to virtue. ## Themes in this chapter ### Self-Love and the Social Order Epicurus's system reduces all virtue to prudent self-interest, aiming at bodily ease and security, which Smith critiques as insufficient to explain the moral sentiments. ### Desire for Praiseworthiness vs. Mere Praise Smith argues that Epicurus overlooked the fundamental human desire to be amiable, respectable, and the proper object of esteem, which is more valued than mere bodily consequences. ### Virtue as Propriety and Self-Command The chapter discusses how virtue, even when viewed as prudence, involves acting with propriety and self-command, as illustrated by Socrates's advice. ## Character check-ins ### Epicurus Epicurus is the central figure of the chapter; his system makes virtue consist in prudence, reducing all desires to bodily pleasure and pain. ### Plato 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. ### Aristotle Grouped with Plato and Zeno as holding that virtue is intrinsically valuable and that man's happiness consists in the propriety of active exertions. ### Zeno Listed among the philosophers who opposed Epicurus by affirming that virtue is more valuable than all other primary objects of desire. ### Socrates Quoted for his argument that the surest way to acquire a good reputation is to actually become virtuous, illustrating the prudential aspect of virtue. ### Cicero Referenced as a source for Epicurus's doctrines, specifically his work 'De finibus'. ## Key lines > Epicurus appears in every virtue to have attended to this species of propriety only. It is that which is most apt to occur to those who are endeavouring to persuade others to regularity of conduct. Epicurus focused exclusively on the prudential aspect of virtue, which is the most effective approach when trying to convince people to behave regularly. _Smith observes that Epicurus reduced all virtue to prudence, a method that appeals to those seeking to persuade others through self-interest._ > The whole virtue of justice, therefore, the most important of all the virtues, is no more than discreet and prudent conduct with regard to our neighbours. According to Epicurus, even justice, the most significant virtue, is simply prudent behavior toward others. _Smith summarizes Epicurus's reduction of justice to a form of prudence, which he later critiques as insufficient._ > Do you desire, said Socrates, the reputation of a good musician? The only sure way of obtaining it, is to become a good musician. Socrates argued that the only reliable path to a good reputation is to actually become worthy of it. _Smith uses Socrates to illustrate the prudential wisdom of virtue, showing that virtue and prudence are aligned._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/ii-of-those-systems-which-make-virtue-consist-in-prudence - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters