4.2 Key Virtues and Character Traits
5 min read•july 30, 2024
Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits rather than following strict rules. It emphasizes virtues like , , and as key to living a moral life. These virtues aren't just abstract concepts, but habits we can cultivate through practice and reflection.
The core virtues in ethics provide a framework for moral decision-making and personal growth. While different traditions may prioritize certain virtues, they all share the goal of shaping individuals into morally upright people who can navigate complex ethical situations with wisdom and .
Core Virtues in Ethics
Cardinal Virtues
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- Virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of virtuous character traits rather than focusing on specific actions or rules
- The four cardinal virtues, as identified by and later adopted by other philosophers, are courage, , justice, and (practical wisdom)
- Courage involves the ability to act rightly in the face of danger, fear, or adversity, striking a balance between the vices of cowardice and recklessness
- Temperance is the virtue of self-restraint and moderation in desires and actions, involving the control of one's appetites and emotions
- Justice, in virtue ethics, refers to a character trait that disposes one to respect the rights of others, give them what they are due, and uphold fairness, impartiality, and the common good
- Prudence, or practical wisdom, is the ability to discern the right course of action in a given situation, involving good judgment, foresight, and the capacity to weigh consequences
Other Key Virtues
- Different philosophical and religious traditions have emphasized additional virtues beyond the cardinal four
- highlighted the importance of intellectual virtues, such as wisdom and understanding, in addition to moral virtues
- Confucian virtue ethics places a strong emphasis on the virtues of (ren), (yi), (li), wisdom (zhi), and (xin)
- Christian virtue ethicists, such as Thomas Aquinas, have focused on the theological virtues of , , and
- Contemporary virtue ethicists, like and , have sought to revive and update the virtue ethical tradition, sometimes redefining or adding to the traditional list of virtues (, , integrity)
Defining and Prioritizing Virtues
Aristotle's Doctrine of the Mean
- Aristotle conceived of each virtue as a middle point between two vices, known as the
- Courage is the mean between the vices of cowardice and recklessness
- Generosity is the mean between the vices of stinginess and wastefulness
- Truthfulness is the mean between the vices of understatement and boastfulness
- The doctrine of the mean suggests that virtues are not extremes, but rather the appropriate balance or moderation between excess and deficiency
Prioritizing and Contextualizing Virtues
- Different virtue ethicists have prioritized virtues differently based on their philosophical or cultural context
- Aristotle placed a strong emphasis on wisdom and prudence as guiding virtues
- Confucian thinkers prioritized benevolence (ren) and filial piety as central to moral character
- Christian virtue ethicists have typically placed faith, hope, and charity above the cardinal virtues
- The prioritization and exact definition of virtues can vary across time periods, societies, and individual thinkers
- MacIntyre has argued that virtues are intimately tied to cultural practices and narratives
- Feminist philosophers have critiqued traditional virtue lists for overlooking "feminine" virtues like care, , and nurturance
- Virtues may also take on different meanings or applications depending on an individual's specific social roles and responsibilities (parent, teacher, citizen, friend)
Virtues, Character, and Habits
Virtues as Stable Character Traits
- Virtues are seen as deeply ingrained character traits that shape an individual's thoughts, feelings, and actions
- is not just a single instance of truth-telling, but a stable and reliable disposition to be truthful
- Compassion involves a consistent pattern of empathy, concern, and willingness to help others in need
- Virtuous character traits are considered intrinsically valuable, not just instrumentally valuable for producing good consequences
- Possessing a virtuous character is seen as an essential component of human flourishing (eudaimonia)
- Virtues are admirable and praiseworthy in themselves, even if they do not always lead to positive outcomes
Developing Virtues Through Habit and Practice
- Virtues are developed and strengthened through habituation and practice
- Consistently choosing to act in accordance with a virtue (e.g., courage) reinforces that trait of character over time
- Virtuous habits are formed through repeated good actions, often guided by moral exemplars and role models
- Moral education and character development are central concerns in virtue ethics
- Aristotle emphasized the importance of moral upbringing and learning to take pleasure in virtuous actions
- Confucian ethics stresses the role of rituals, traditions, and relationships in shaping virtuous character
- Virtues are interconnected and mutually reinforcing; practicing one virtue often requires and supports the development of others
- Acting with honesty and integrity often demands courage in the face of pressure or adversity
- Compassion and generosity are closely linked to the virtue of justice and a concern for others' wellbeing
Cultivating Virtuous Character
Practical Challenges and Conflicts
- Cultivating and maintaining virtuous character requires ongoing effort, practice, and self-reflection
- Virtues are not static traits, but must be continuously reinforced through good habits and choices
- Honest assessment of one's own character strengths and weaknesses is necessary for moral growth
- Virtues can sometimes conflict with each other in real-life moral dilemmas
- Honesty and kindness may clash in situations where the truth could cause significant harm or distress
- Loyalty and integrity may be in tension when faced with the unethical actions of a friend or colleague
- Discerning the right course of action in such cases requires practical wisdom (prudence) to weigh competing values and priorities
Contextual Influences and Obstacles
- Social and cultural context can significantly influence the cultivation and expression of virtuous character
- Cultural norms and expectations may make it more challenging to practice certain virtues (dissent, non-conformity)
- Systemic injustices and inequalities can limit opportunities for character development and moral growth
- Virtuous character can be undermined or eroded by negative influences, temptations, and moral compromises
- Peer pressure, self-interest, or difficult circumstances can lead individuals to act against their better judgment
- Sustaining virtue requires moral resilience, self-discipline, and a supportive community of fellow practitioners
- Critics argue that virtue ethics provides insufficient action guidance compared to rule- or consequence-based theories
- Virtue ethicists contend that virtues, combined with practical wisdom, can navigate the complexities of moral life
- The virtue approach may be more realistic and flexible in acknowledging the contextual nature of ethical decision-making
Key Terms to Review (33)
Alasdair MacIntyre: Alasdair MacIntyre is a prominent Scottish philosopher known for his work in moral and political philosophy, particularly in the realm of virtue ethics. He is most famous for his book 'After Virtue,' where he critiques modern moral philosophy and emphasizes the importance of virtues and character in ethical decision-making. MacIntyre argues that understanding virtues requires a historical context and a connection to community practices.
Aristotle: Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher whose work laid the foundation for many areas of Western philosophy, including ethics. He is best known for developing virtue ethics, which emphasizes the importance of character and virtues in moral decision-making rather than focusing solely on rules or consequences. His ideas have significant implications in comparing virtue ethics with other ethical frameworks like consequentialism and deontology, as well as in identifying key virtues and character traits that shape moral behavior.
Benevolence: Benevolence refers to the disposition to do good and promote the well-being of others. This virtue is characterized by kindness, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others without expecting anything in return. Benevolence is essential for building trust and fostering positive relationships, as it encourages individuals to act with empathy and support towards their communities.
Character assessment: Character assessment refers to the evaluation of an individual's moral and ethical qualities, which are often determined by their consistent behavior, attitudes, and decision-making patterns. This concept is crucial for understanding how virtues and character traits manifest in real-life situations, influencing personal and professional relationships, as well as overall societal dynamics.
Charity: Charity refers to the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money or resources, to those in need. This act of kindness is often motivated by compassion, a sense of moral duty, or religious beliefs, and serves to alleviate suffering and support those who are less fortunate. Charity embodies the virtue of generosity and fosters social responsibility, encouraging individuals to look beyond their own interests to support the welfare of others.
Communitarianism: Communitarianism is a philosophical and political ideology that emphasizes the importance of community and social cohesion in shaping individual identity and moral values. It argues that individuals are deeply embedded in their social contexts and that community values should guide personal choices and societal norms. This perspective often critiques the excesses of individualism, advocating for a balance between individual rights and communal responsibilities.
Compassion: Compassion is the emotional response of understanding and empathizing with the suffering of others, often coupled with a desire to help alleviate that suffering. This key virtue is rooted in the recognition of shared humanity and the interconnectedness of individuals, motivating actions that reflect care and kindness towards those in distress.
Courage: Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, or adversity with resolve and bravery. It is a key virtue that enables individuals to act rightly even in challenging situations, reflecting inner strength and moral character. This virtue connects deeply to the development of moral character and the formation of ethical principles that guide human actions.
Doctrine of the mean: The doctrine of the mean is a key concept in Aristotelian ethics that suggests virtue lies in finding the balance between excess and deficiency. It emphasizes moderation as a guiding principle for achieving moral character, proposing that virtues are the mean between two vices: one of excess and one of deficiency. This idea connects deeply to various virtues and character traits by encouraging individuals to cultivate habits that promote balance in their actions and feelings.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, allowing for deeper emotional connections and moral reasoning. It plays a critical role in ethical discussions by helping individuals consider perspectives beyond their own, fostering compassion and ethical decision-making.
Ethical dilemmas: Ethical dilemmas are situations where a person faces conflicting moral principles, making it challenging to choose the right course of action. These conflicts often arise when obligations or values clash, leaving individuals uncertain about what decision to make. Understanding ethical dilemmas is crucial as they require not only problem-solving skills but also an awareness of various ethical theories and character traits that influence decision-making.
Ethical leadership: Ethical leadership is the practice of leading based on principles of honesty, fairness, and respect, aiming to promote a positive ethical culture within an organization or community. It involves not just making decisions that are morally right, but also influencing others to uphold ethical standards through modeling behavior and fostering open communication. This kind of leadership is critical in shaping both personal and professional interactions, where integrity and moral values guide actions and influence the ethical climate.
Ethical maturity: Ethical maturity refers to an individual's ability to recognize, understand, and apply ethical principles in a consistent and thoughtful manner. It involves a deep understanding of moral values and the implications of one’s actions, enabling a person to navigate complex ethical dilemmas with integrity and responsibility. This concept emphasizes the importance of developing virtues and character traits that guide decision-making processes throughout one’s life.
Faith: Faith is a deeply held belief or trust in something, often without empirical evidence or proof. It plays a critical role in shaping moral values, guiding behavior, and fostering personal and communal resilience. Faith can manifest in various forms, including religious beliefs, trust in others, or conviction in principles that guide ethical decision-making.
Honesty: Honesty is the quality of being truthful and transparent in one’s words and actions, free from deceit or fraud. It is considered a fundamental virtue that fosters trust and integrity in personal and professional relationships, and it plays a vital role in ethical decision-making. Honesty not only reflects one's character but also influences how individuals develop their personal ethical frameworks and interact with others.
Hope: Hope is the emotional state that involves the expectation and desire for positive outcomes in the future. It serves as a driving force that encourages individuals to strive for goals and overcome challenges, promoting resilience and persistence in the face of adversity.
Humility: Humility is the quality of having a modest opinion of one's importance, recognizing that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. It involves an awareness of one's limitations and an openness to learning from others, which fosters growth in both personal and interpersonal contexts. This virtue is essential for building strong relationships and encourages a collaborative spirit.
Integrity: Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It involves consistency in actions, values, methods, measures, and principles, making it essential for establishing trustworthiness and ethical behavior in various aspects of life. This characteristic plays a crucial role in leadership, personal virtues, and the development of individual ethical frameworks, reinforcing the importance of aligning one's actions with their values and beliefs.
Justice: Justice is the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, law, and fairness, ensuring that individuals receive what they are due. It encompasses the pursuit of equity, accountability, and the protection of rights, playing a crucial role in societal structures and moral reasoning.
Mencius: Mencius, also known as Mengzi, was a Chinese philosopher who lived during the Warring States period and is often considered the most important figure in Confucianism after Confucius himself. He is known for emphasizing the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of nurturing this goodness through education and proper governance, aligning closely with key virtues and character traits that promote moral development and social harmony.
Moral Courage: Moral courage is the ability to stand up for what is right, even in the face of fear, backlash, or pressure to conform. This involves making ethical choices that align with one's values and beliefs, despite potential personal or professional consequences. It's essential in situations where individuals must speak out against wrongdoing, take risks for ethical integrity, and maintain their convictions in challenging circumstances.
Moral Development: Moral development refers to the process by which individuals acquire and refine their understanding of right and wrong, shaping their ethical beliefs and behaviors over time. This progression often involves a deepening comprehension of social norms, empathy, and justice, which contributes to the formation of a person's character and virtues.
Moral Reasoning: Moral reasoning is the process of determining right from wrong through critical thinking and ethical analysis, often guided by principles, values, and societal norms. It connects personal beliefs with broader ethical frameworks to evaluate moral dilemmas, influencing how individuals navigate complex situations and make ethical decisions.
Plato: Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher, a student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, who significantly influenced Western philosophy. He founded the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world, and developed a comprehensive ethical framework that emphasized virtue as essential for a good life. His ideas laid the groundwork for virtue ethics, focusing on the character traits and virtues necessary for moral behavior.
Propriety: Propriety refers to the conformity to established standards of behavior or morals, ensuring that actions align with societal expectations and norms. It emphasizes the importance of acting in a manner that is deemed appropriate and respectful in various contexts, influencing how individuals relate to one another and navigate social situations.
Prudence: Prudence is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. It involves careful consideration and decision-making based on weighing potential consequences, making it a critical virtue for leading a balanced and ethical life. This character trait emphasizes foresight and the wisdom to make sound judgments, influencing not just personal actions but also the moral compass that guides relationships and interactions with others.
Righteousness: Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable, often characterized by ethical behavior and adherence to moral principles. It embodies the pursuit of virtue and integrity in actions and thoughts, connecting deeply with personal character traits such as honesty, fairness, and compassion.
Rosalind Hursthouse: Rosalind Hursthouse is a contemporary philosopher known for her contributions to virtue ethics, particularly in relation to moral philosophy. Her work emphasizes the importance of character and virtues in ethical decision-making, shifting the focus from rules and consequences to the qualities that define a good person. Hursthouse's approach is significant because it aligns ethical behavior with human flourishing and the cultivation of virtues.
Social ethics: Social ethics refers to the study of moral issues that arise within society, focusing on how individuals and groups should act toward one another in social contexts. It emphasizes the importance of virtues and character traits that contribute to the well-being of the community, highlighting the interplay between personal morality and social responsibility.
Temperance: Temperance is the virtue of moderation and self-control, particularly concerning desires and appetites. It is about finding a balanced approach to life, avoiding excess, and fostering a sense of restraint in one's actions and choices. This virtue is fundamental in shaping character traits that lead to ethical behavior and a harmonious existence.
Trustworthiness: Trustworthiness is the quality of being reliable, dependable, and deserving of trust. It reflects an individual's character and integrity, playing a crucial role in building relationships and fostering cooperation among people. Trustworthiness encompasses honesty, consistency, and accountability, all of which are essential for establishing a positive moral foundation in interpersonal interactions.
Virtue Assessment: Virtue assessment is the process of evaluating an individual's character traits and moral virtues, determining how these align with ethical standards and ideals. This evaluation often involves reflecting on behaviors, intentions, and decision-making processes to establish a person's moral standing. It emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, ethical consistency, and the cultivation of virtues as essential components of moral character.
Wisdom: Wisdom is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, and good judgment. It involves not just knowing the right answers, but also having the insight to apply that knowledge effectively in real-life situations, making it a key virtue in personal and ethical development.