Is "arete techne" a correct translation of "virtue is my trade" or "virtue is my craft"?

Question

Hello

Regarding this phrase: "arete techne".

What would be the correct translation?

a) "virtue is my trade" or

b) "virtue is my craft"?

Answer 1

Hi

May I ask where did you take this phrase from?

I suppose it's a philosophic saying (probably from Aristoteles). In order to translate it properly you must know the context.

The meaning of "τέχνη" in a philosophic context is usually "skill".

You know the context and I think you are right that the most appropriate translation of trade/craft for this phrase is "τέχνη".  So one possible translation in Greek would be: “Η τέχνη μου είναι η αρετή”.

Comments

Thank you for your answer. The context was "Virtue is something I practice every day," with the word "trade" meaning "job" or "craft". What is the more appropriate word for "trade" (meaning job or occupation) in this context?

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Hi

The most appropriate translation is “Η τέχνη μου είναι η αρετή”.