intro
We must note in passing that G. Siefert (Commentationes Ienenses, 1896, pp. 102-105) held that Plutarch wrote this work in connexion with the De Fortuna (see the parallels recorded in the notes) and that it is not mutilated, but unfinished. Ne hic quidem liber fragmentum est, sed schedula tantum a Plutarcho in suum usum obiter composita. This is quite possible.Xylander’s supposition, recently repeated without argument by Hartman, that this is not a work of Plutarch, seems untenable.
intro
The text is very uncertain, for although the essay appears in several important classes of MSS., they differ considerably among themselves. The text which must serve as the basis of the present translation is only presented with the greatest hesitation.
intro
The work appears as No. 180 in the Lamprias catalogue, where it bears the title Περὶ ἀρετῆς εἰ διδκτέον ἡ ἀρετή.. Bernardakis would rightly emend to διδακτὸν.
