Platoâs arete is well described in his Republic where the conversation about the nature of justice and the ideal balance of the state and soul, along with nearly every metaphor in the book, all center around finding a perfect balance, an arete of state and soul.
Spreading throughout the Mediterranean and Europe, the Black Death is estimated to have killed 30â60% of Europe's total population. In total, the plague reduced the world population from an estimated 450 million down to 350â375 million in the 14th century.
The Black Death was one of many catastrophes to occur following an increase in population during the High Middle Ages (1000-1300). The population of Europe grew from 38 million to 74 million in this time.