Intelektualizm etyczny w staropolskiej myśli moralnej

Abstract

The task of the present article is to present those thoughts in the ideas of polish ethical writers of XVI and XVII century, who refer to, although to a different extent, to the Socratic idea of ethical intellectualism. In the light of conducted studies, the intellectualism should be considered as one of the most distinct features of the Old Polish ethical thought. An explicit acceptance of the idea of a close relationship between the knowledge and morality, wisdom and virtue, reason and ethics is noticeable in writings of many thinkers of that period. Sometimes the ethical intellectualism occurred in a relatively truthful form, otherwise, it was modified on various ways. However, its basic sense was accepted by polish writers of this epoch. It was mentioned for example that the acquisition of virtue itself, requires the engagement of the intellect on the other hand, the accomplishment of virtue proceeds in conjunction with the intellectual development. It has being proven that the person of the firm virtues is equipped with intellectual dispositions with, especially highly appreciated, prudence and sagacity, which allow for correct judgements and decisions. It was underlined that the correct intellectual discrimination between the good and the bad is a prerequisite for making right moral appraisals. It was pronounced for a broad ethical education resting on rational premises.