The Virtues

Synopsis

From the philosophy of Aristotle and Confucius, to Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae, to the paintings of Raphael, Botticelli and many more, fascination with the virtues has endured and evolved to fit a wide range of cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts through the centuries. This Very Short Introduction introduces readers to the various virtues: the moral virtues, the intellectual virtues, and the theological virtues, as well as the capital vices. It explores the role of the virtues in moral life, their cultivation, and how they offer ways of thinking and acting that are alternatives to mere rule-following. It also considers the relationship of the virtues to our own emotions, desires, and rational capacities. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Summary

Chapter 1: Humility

Humility is the virtue of recognizing and accepting one's limitations and strengths. It is not about self-deprecation but about a realistic understanding of oneself.

* Real Example: A doctor who acknowledges their limits and refers patients to specialists when necessary, demonstrating humility in their practice.

Chapter 2: Courage

Courage is the virtue of facing adversity with determination and resilience. It is not about recklessness but about acting despite fear.

* Real Example: A firefighter who enters a burning building to save lives, demonstrating courage in the face of danger.

Chapter 3: Temperance

Temperance is the virtue of moderation and self-restraint. It is about finding balance in life and avoiding excess.

* Real Example: A person who maintains a healthy diet and exercise routine, demonstrating temperance in their self-care.

Chapter 4: Justice

Justice is the virtue of fairness and impartiality. It is about treating others equitably and upholding the law.

* Real Example: A judge who makes fair rulings based on clear evidence, demonstrating justice in the courtroom.

Chapter 5: Mercy

Mercy is the virtue of showing compassion and forgiveness to others. It is about tempering justice with empathy.

* Real Example: A prison warden who allows a prisoner to visit their dying grandmother, demonstrating mercy in a difficult situation.

Chapter 6: Hope

Hope is the virtue of believing in the possibility of a better future. It is about maintaining optimism and perseverance in the face of setbacks.

* Real Example: A cancer patient who undergoes treatment with hope and determination, demonstrating hope in their struggle.

Chapter 7: Prudence

Prudence is the virtue of practical wisdom. It is about making sound decisions based on reason and foresight.

* Real Example: A business owner who carefully considers market trends before making investment decisions, demonstrating prudence in their business practices.

Chapter 8: Faith

Faith is the virtue of trust in God or a higher power. It is about believing in something beyond oneself.

* Real Example: A person who finds solace and strength in their religious beliefs, demonstrating faith in their spiritual journey.

Chapter 9: Perseverance

Perseverance is the virtue of staying the course despite obstacles. It is about never giving up, even when the going gets tough.

* Real Example: A student who persists in their studies despite academic challenges, demonstrating perseverance in their pursuit of knowledge.

Chapter 10: Charity

Charity is the virtue of selfless love and giving. It is about putting others' needs before one's own.

* Real Example: A volunteer who spends their time helping the homeless, demonstrating charity in their compassion for others.