CHAPTER 1
Man and
His Virtue
Learning Objectives
1.
Understand how Moral
Character is developed.
3.
2.
Describe the elements
of Moral Development
and Moral Experiences.
Integrates the elements
of Moral Development
in solving personal
dilemmas.
Moral Character
The word "moral" is derived from the Latin word "moralis,"
which pertains to customs, manners, or behavior. It is also
linked to the Latin word "mos," meaning custom or habit.
The word "character" originates from the ancient Greek word
"kharaktēr," which originally referred to a stamping tool used
to engrave or imprint an impression.
Moral character refers to the collection of qualities, virtues, and
ethical principles that shape an individual's behavior and
decision-making in accordance with accepted standards of right
and wrong.
Character??
Character equates with morality. How do your habits, thoughts,
motives, perceptions, emotions, and behavior relate to morality? Do
your actions and judgment talk about your integrity as a person?
As William Straton Bruce puts it, the character is defined as "your
moral self," the "crown of a moral life," and referred to as a "moral
structure," something you built through virtuous behavior.
Therefore, action expresses one's character. We cannot separate the
actor from the act. Character and a person's actions go together.
C.S. Lewis, renowned thinker, scholar, and author, asserts that our
beliefs are central to our moral behavior. He views morality as
important for three things to ensure fair play and harmony between
individuals; to help make us good people in order to produce a good
society; and, to keep us in a good relationship with the power that
created us.
Developing Virtue as Habit
Virtue defined as moral excellence, originating from the
Latin word "vir" meaning man, and "virtus" signifying
power and strength.
Tim Gray's perspective: Virtues as habits providing the
power to act in a manly way, with strength to do what is
right.
Developing Virtue as Habit
Virtues as Building Blocks of Character:
Virtues are the foundation of character development.
Positive traits such as courage, honesty, respectfulness,
and kindness.
Virtue is the essence of one's character, shaping
personality towards doing the right thing.
Developing Virtue as Habit
The Man's Aim for Good:
Man aims for what is perceived as good.
Virtue as the power rooted in a person's character to do
the right thing in various circumstances.
Habits formed towards consistently choosing the right
actions (Stephen, 2016).
Developing Virtue as Habit
Virtue vs. Values:
Values defined as actions or things considered desirable,
important, useful, and worthy.
Clarification: Values alone do not make individuals moral.
Developing Virtue as Habit
Examples of Values vs. Virtues
Mr. A valuing sailing doesn't make him a sailor,
emphasizing the distinction between valuing and having
the skills.
Mr. B's passion for flying doesn't equate to being a pilot;
skills are essential.
Applying the analogy to relationships: Wanting to be a
good partner is not enough; virtues are crucial for success.
Developing Virtue as Habit
Role of Virtues in Moral Living:
Many desire to be good spouses and parents, but virtues
are essential for successful moral living.
Values alone may lead to failure if not accompanied by the
necessary virtues.
Aristotle, influenced by Plato, asserted that the purpose
of human life is to engage in virtuous activities. He
identified two key virtues: intellectual, acquired through
inheritance and education, and moral, developed
through practice and habit. Aristotle recognized various
other virtues essential for leading a virtuous life.
1. Courage - bravery and valor
2. Temperance - self-control and restraint
3. Liberality - bigheartedness, charity and generosity
4. Magnificence - radiance, joie de vivre
5. Pride - self-satisfaction
6. Honor - respect, reverence, admiration
7. Good Temper - equanimity, level headedness
8. Friendliness - conviviality and sociability
9. Truthfulness - straightforwardness, frankness and
candor
10. Wit- sense of humor, meaninglessness and absurdity
11. Friendship - camaraderie and companionship
12. Justice - impartiality, evenhandedness and fairness
Moral
Development
Lawrence Kohlberg (1927 - 1987), an American
Psychologist, best known for his theory of stages moral
development, identified the six stages of of moral
development. He grouped these into three levels of
morality: preconventional, conventional, & postconventional morality.
Kohlberg relied on stories such as the Heinz dilemma, &
was interested on how individuals would justify their
actions if placed in similar moral dilemmas.
Stages of Moral
Development
Level 1: Pre-conventional Morality
At the pre-conventional level, most nine-year-olds and younger,
some over nine, do not have a personal code of morality. Instead,
their moral code is shaped by the standards of adults and the
consequences of following or breaking their rules.
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Behaviour is determined by consequences. The individual will obey in
order to avoid punishment.
Stage 2: Instrumental purpose orientation
Behaviour is determined again by consequences. The individual
focuses on receiving rewards or satisfying personal needs.
Stages of Moral
Development
Level 2: Conventional level
At the conventional level, conformity to social rules remains important to the
individual. However, the emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships with other
people and social systems. The individual strives to support rules that are set forth by
others such as parents, peers, and the government in order to win their approval or to
maintain social order.
Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl orientation
Behaviour is determined by social approval. The individual wants to maintain or win
the affection and approval of others by being a “good person.”
Stage 4: Maintaining the Social Order
The Child/Individual becomes aware of the wider rules of society, so judging concern
obeying rules in order to uphold the law and avoid guilt.
Stages of Moral
Development
Level 3: Postconventional or principled level
Individual judgement is based on self-chosen principles, and moral reasoning is based
on individual rights and justice.
Stage 5: Social contract orientation
The Child/Individual becomes aware that rules/law might exist for the good of the
greatest number, there are times when they will work against the interest of particular
individual.
Stage 6: Universal ethical principle orientation
People at this stage have developed their own set of moral guidelines, which may or
may not fit the law.
Your Turn
Think back about a time where you had to
make a decision. Did your decision went in
line with your principles? Did you regret your
decision?
Life is an adventure. Your judgements in
your decisions can either be good or bad.
That’s why mistakes are inevitable, and that’s
what makes us human.
Remember, it’s easier to move forward than
to dwell on your mistakes, learn from it and
continue being a good person.
Thank you!