Nonvirtue

Nonvirtue refers to actions, thoughts, or intentions that are considered morally wrong or undesirable within various ethical and religious frameworks. It is often contrasted with virtue, which encompasses qualities and behaviors deemed good or morally upright. The specific definition of nonvirtue can vary significantly depending on the cultural, philosophical, or religious context.

In many Western ethical traditions, nonvirtue is associated with actions that harm others, such as dishonesty, cruelty, or injustice. It can also encompass a lack of desirable qualities like compassion or courage. Religious systems often provide detailed lists of nonvirtuous acts, which may include sins, transgressions, or unskillful conduct, with consequences often tied to spiritual or karmic retribution.

In Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, nonvirtue is often understood as actions rooted in the "three poisons": greed, hatred, and delusion. These are seen as the fundamental causes of suffering and lead to harmful actions. The cessation of nonvirtue is a central aim in many spiritual paths, sought through practices like ethical conduct, meditation, and the cultivation of wisdom. Understanding nonvirtue is often considered a prerequisite for comprehending and practicing virtue effectively.