We have next to consider the formal definition of virtue.

In inventing a model we may assume what we wish, but should avoid impossibilities.

Cruel is the strife of brothers.

Comedy aims at representing men as worse, Tragedy as better than in actual life.

It is clear, then, that wisdom is knowledge having to do with certain principles and causes. But now, since it is this knowledge that we are seeking, we must consider the following point: of what kind of principles and of what kind of causes is wisdom the knowledge?

Hence both women and children must be educated with an eye to the constitution, if indeed it makes any difference to the virtue of a city-state that its children be virtuous, and its women too. And it must make a difference, since half the free population are women, and from children come those who participate in the constitution.

Of mankind in general, the parts are greater than the whole.