These principles oppose each other and appear to act as state functions rather than as a continum. However there exists a bridge that connects the two tradtions and represents the mid-point within the ethical continuim. That is, there exists fix immutable truths which exists inside the human condition a priori, within the mind. These truths of fixed immutable origins can be applied using deductive reasonning to situations. .
The catholic nature of absolute truth, as established by the early greek philosphers like Socrates view the absolute as being outside the human condition. These ideals include justice, self-control, and holiness. ".is there such a thing as justice. I think so. virtue resembles knowledge or justice."( Plato's The Protagoras pp 55). Since virtue, knowledge, justice, and courage resemble holiness and vice versa, as with holiness, virtue, knowledge, and justice must exist outside the human condition. ". (to) be a good man - which is what you were speaking of, Pittacus - is impossible and super-human. This is the previlege of a god alone."(Plato's The Protagoras pp 79) Humans cannot be noble, just, and couragous but must strive to become these, that is, to live grounded within the rules of absolute truth. ". To live pleasurably is good, to live painfully bad. knowledge is a fine thing quite capable of ruling a man, and that if he can distinguish good from evil, noth!.
ing will force him to act otherwise."( Plato's The Protagoras pp 89). According to the philosphers of this genra, the sancity of life is also an absolute. " I swear by Apollo, the physician, and Aslepius.I will give no deadly medicine to anyone if asked, nor suggest any such counsel."(The Oath of Hippocrates). Plato premised that knowledge and wisdom are the highest states of being(352 C. D. Menno). Plato had also reasoned that knowledge was virtue and being like virtue knowledge is an absolute principle. The mode to acquiring knowledge is existance, life and thus life must be protected as an absolute.
