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🥸ethics review

Moral exemplar

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A moral exemplar is an individual who embodies ethical virtues and serves as a model of moral behavior for others. These figures often inspire individuals to develop their own moral character through their actions, decisions, and life stories, demonstrating what it means to live a virtuous life. They play a key role in virtue ethics by illustrating the traits and practices that define good moral character.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Moral exemplars can be historical figures, literary characters, or even contemporary individuals known for their ethical integrity.
  2. They are crucial in virtue ethics because they provide concrete examples of how to act virtuously in real-life situations.
  3. Moral exemplars help shape community standards by illustrating what is valued in ethical behavior and decision-making.
  4. The study of moral exemplars can aid in developing moral education programs by offering relatable figures for students to look up to.
  5. Emulating a moral exemplar can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of ethical principles, influencing one’s own moral development.

Review Questions

  • How do moral exemplars contribute to the understanding of virtue ethics?
    • Moral exemplars contribute significantly to virtue ethics by providing real-life representations of virtuous behavior. They demonstrate how ethical virtues manifest in daily life, allowing individuals to see the practical application of theoretical principles. By observing and learning from these individuals, people can cultivate their own virtues and strive to emulate the moral standards that these exemplars embody.
  • In what ways can studying moral exemplars enhance one's personal character development?
    • Studying moral exemplars enhances personal character development by offering relatable role models who demonstrate virtuous behavior. When individuals reflect on the lives and actions of these figures, they can identify specific traits they wish to develop within themselves. This process encourages self-examination and motivates individuals to pursue a path of moral improvement, fostering a deeper commitment to living ethically.
  • Evaluate the impact that cultural perceptions of moral exemplars have on society's understanding of ethical behavior.
    • Cultural perceptions of moral exemplars significantly shape society's understanding of ethical behavior by influencing which traits are celebrated or ignored. Different cultures may highlight various figures as exemplars based on their values and beliefs, which can create diverse standards for morality. This evaluation reveals how societal norms evolve through the stories of these individuals and how they serve as benchmarks for ethical conduct across different communities.