Virtues

Virtues are dispositions to act, think, and feel in ways that are morally good. Etymologically, virtue derives from Latin virtus, meaning excellence or strength; in Greek philosophy the related term arete denoted human excellence. Virtues are often described as traits of character that enable individuals to flourish and to live well within a community.

In ancient Greece, virtue ethics centers on the cultivation of good character. Aristotle argued that virtue lies in habituation and in finding the mean between extremes in each situation. The cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude—were later taken up in Christian thought as a framework for moral life, along with theological virtues such as faith, hope, and charity.

Cultural and religious traditions propose different lists of virtues. Confucianism emphasizes ren (benevolence), yi (righteousness), li (propriety), and xiao (filial piety) as foundations of social harmony. Hindu and Buddhist traditions highlight virtues such as truthfulness, compassion, generosity, and perfections (paramis). In Islam, akhlaq denotes ethical character shaped by God’s guidance.

In modern psychology, virtues are studied as character strengths. The VIA classification catalogs strengths such as wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence, linking virtue to well-being. Critics note that virtue concepts can be culturally bound or gendered, and tensions may arise between virtue and rules or outcomes. Overall, virtue ethics emphasizes the cultivation of character and practical wisdom.