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A ncient greek philosophy, metaphysics, ethics [Greek, work or what we do] A term having various translations, including process of production, product, achievement, action, task, activity, and function. In philosophy, it is mainly used for a characteristic function or activity uniquely ascribed to a thing or kind of thing. Both Plato and Aristotle appeal to such functions to explain the essence of a thing and the good for man. It is thus connected with virtue ( arete ), “the excellence in performing one's ergon .” The ergon of a knife is cutting. If it cuts well, it is a good knife and has virtue. Analogously, Aristotle argued, man has an ergon , rational activity, which is the feature distinguishing man from non-human animals and plants. He held that human virtue or human good, therefore, is performing rational activities rightly and well. “… that is the ergon of each thing which it only or it better than anything else can perform.” Plato, Republic ... log in or subscribe to read full text