According to Socratic thought, why would a person act virtuously?

The reasoning behind why a person would act virtuously according to Socratic thought is primarily rooted in the understanding that virtuous actions inherently bring about benefits not just for the individual, but also for society as a whole. Socrates believed that knowledge and understanding are pivotal in determining virtue. When a person grasps the concept of the good and understands that it leads to happiness and fulfillment, they are more likely to engage in virtuous behavior.

This perspective emphasizes that virtuous actions are not merely motivated by external rewards such as avoiding punishment or gaining recognition from others, but rather stem from an intrinsic recognition of the value of those actions. Virtuosity becomes an expression of wisdom—a display of a person's understanding of what is truly beneficial in the long term.

In Socratic philosophy, living a virtuous life correlates with achieving true happiness. Therefore, the motivation to act virtuously arises from an educated understanding of the benefits of such actions, aligning personal interests with those of the community, resulting in a more harmonious society.