What is Virtue?

Can We Define it for Ourselves or Others?

Dear Classical Wisdom Reader,

Virtue is a term that’s regularly thrown about. Consider the concepts of Cheap Virtue (virtue obtained by easy tasks), Fake Virtue (actions that look virtuous but aren’t) as well as the very commonly employed Virtue Signal (showing off virtue). 

It’s clear whatever virtue one possesses, another one is ready to undermine it. 

Indeed, I propose that we aren’t living in Culture Wars... we are living in Virtue Wars. Unfortunately the implications of such a differentiation are grave, because cultural discrepancies aren’t necessarily steeped in judgment. 

Who cares if someone uses chopsticks instead of a fork? What happens if a guest takes off their shoes at the door, or leaves them on? What’s wrong with eating dinner at 10pm or tasting wine at 10 years old? Does a cheese grater tattoo or tube top style really bother you... Or anyone? 

While there are some cultural differences that are much, much more serious, many cultural characteristics are interesting, exotic, often inspiring... but not obviously, inherently wrong. 

This is not the same with Virtue. Those lacking it are immoral, by definition. By claiming virtue or asserting that one group has it, while the other doesn’t, the situation becomes, quite literally, a “Good Versus Bad” dynamic. And it’s much easier to completely dismiss a ‘bad’ person. You don’t have to listen to their ideas or perspectives, and once the ‘other’ becomes dehumanized, it’s a very, very dangerous path to inhumanity.

And the absurd part is... everyone is convinced they have virtue, while the other side definitely does not. Who thinks they lack virtue? That their goals and ambitions are immoral? 

Of course understanding that virtue is key -both individually and societally- is something regularly pointed out by the ancients. 

Plato's views on virtue were foundational to Western ethical thought, as was featured in several of his dialogues, particularly in The Republic, Meno, and Phaedrus. To Plato, Virtue was knowledge, the Good, and part and parcel of a harmonious soul. It was necessary for an ideal ruler (as epitomized by the “Philosopher King”) and essential for the health of the state. Indeed, in his vision of an ideal state, virtue is reflected in the just organization of society, where each class (rulers, auxiliaries, and producers) performs its proper function and maintains its own virtue.

Aristotle built upon this foundation, likewise holding virtue as absolutely central to his ethical philosophy (as seen in the Nicomachean Ethics). He posited that virtue is a trait of character that leads a person to act in accordance with reason and to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.

For the famed Macedonian, finding the “mean”, practicing moral virtue and studying intellectual virtue, creating good habits for personal flourishing (Eudaimonia), and making sound judgements with practical wisdom (Phronesis) was the key to happiness. 

Meanwhile, the Stoics, such as Zeno of Citium, Epictetus, and later Marcus Aurelius, offered a distinctive perspective on virtue. For these porch sitters, Virtue was the highest good and can be achieved by living in accordance with Nature. 

[Classical Wisdom Members: just a quick word to say next week’s Podcast with Professors will be with Professor Christopher Gill and we will discuss exactly this point: How can we live according to Nature! Keep a look out for this fascinating discussion! Not already a member? No Problem, join our community here and unlock all our resources today.]

They helpfully delved into more detail, categorizing the necessary characteristics into four cardinal virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Temperance and Justice. These should be exercised along with rationality, a focus on inner control, as well as emotional resilience. 

Virtue, to the philosophers of the past, was incredibly essential in body, soul and mind. It was not just an empty term to be thrown about, to be inflated away in its meaning, but central to the history of philosophy, ethics and civilization. 

Now, we here at Classical Wisdom are very pro-Project Humanity! We hope to continue what we often call “The Great Conversation” to build upon the ideas that have come before us with the goal of providing a better future. As such, it’s critical to take a moment of introspection on this essential topic... but how can we understand virtue in our modern era? Let us do as Socrates would do and first define the terms and uses:

What is Virtue? Can we define it for ourselves or others? Is it universal or relative?  

Comment below to join in on the Great Conversation: 

All the best,

Anya Leonard

Founder and Director

Classical Wisdom

P.S. Classical Wisdom Members, you can also add comments regarding the most recent Alexander the Great article - and decide if you feel he had virtue? If you didn’t catch part 1, you can do so HERE.

Part 2 will be up this week, so watch this space. 

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