Introduction

Summary

Virtue

The word “virtue” derives from the Latin virtus meaning “excellence”, “capacity” or “ability”. In this sense, to have virtue is to have the power or ability to achieve something. More commonly in modern English the word has come to refer to a disposition or a pattern in someone's character or personality that leads them to act morally. It refers to traits of character that we find admirable. Examples of virtue include generosity, honesty, courage, patience, good humour and friendliness.

Different societies emphasize different virtues. Our society expresses admiration for the traits of character that lead to success in entrepreneurial activities. We count as a virtue the willingness to take risks and to compete vigorously with others in business. We praise these traits in sport as well. In other contexts, and more often among women, we praise such virtues as caring and nurturance. Some religions emphasize humility and meekness, whereas if you were in the army you would be urged to display courage and assertiveness as well as obedience (if that is not contradictory). Moreover, what people take to be virtuous changes over time. The virtues we look for in our young people today differ from those that were sought in previous ages (to be “seen but not heard”, for example).

But these points seem to lead to some strange conclusions. They suggest that virtues are relative to social and cultural contexts.