"It is fitting for a man to hear all things, but it is evil to speak all he hears."
Ethical Position:
The ethical position implied in this passage is known as "ethical relativism." Ethical relativism is the view that there is no one objective moral truth, and that what is right or wrong depends on the individual or the culture in question.
Explanation:
In the passage, Creon is advising Oedipus that it is not always wise to speak everything that one knows or has heard. He suggests that it may be better to keep some things to oneself, even if they are true, because speaking them may cause harm or create conflict.
This advice reflects the ethical position of ethical relativism, which holds that there are multiple perspectives on what is right and wrong, and that what is considered moral or immoral depends on the individual or the society in question. According to this view, there is no universal moral truth that applies to all people in all situations.
In the context of the play, Creon's advice may be interpreted as a warning to Oedipus about the potential consequences of his actions and words. By suggesting that it is sometimes better to remain silent, Creon is urging Oedipus to consider the potential harm that he may cause by speaking his mind.