Character is made up of virtues. Virtues are positive personal strengths that enable behaviors and actions that reflect high moral standards. Virtues are empowering and are key to fulfilling an individual’s potential. No definitive list of virtues can be given, as the virtues will, to a certain extent, be relative to individual constitution, developmental stage and social circumstance. However, a general idea can be broken into four categories of virtues:
- Intellectual
- Moral
- Civic
- Performance
Although virtues can be divided into distinct categories, they form a coherent, mutually supportive whole in a well-rounded life. Each virtue type is important when considering the whole person as they work collaboratively with guidance from the meta-virtue, practical wisdom.
Moral virtues like compassion, honesty, gratitude and respect guide social connections. Intellectual virtues such as critical thinking, judgment, reasoning and resourcefulness enable problem solving and support the pursuit of knowledge. Performance virtues, such as confidence and teamwork equip individuals to navigate life and uncertainty. Civic virtues like civility, service and community awareness support citizenship and community.
A coherence of virtues such as curiosity (intellectual), compassion (moral), justice (civic), and resilience (performance), is what balances an individual and develops a whole. Each individual can develop their virtues, virtue perception and virtuous actions over time. While each of the given examples of virtue are important to possess, when and how we deploy them is what determines good character from bad character.
For example, consider the virtues of resilience and determination. While each of these might be considered good, it depends on the context. A criminal might have resilience and determination but the times they are using them are not for the best reasons (from a general perspective). They most certainly are not using them for the common good either.
Good character lies in the intentions and morality of the individual. When an individual considers the context of situations, perceives the virtues present and acts in pursuit of the common good, they are demonstrating good character. It is about doing the right thing for all involved, not just oneself. This is also called practical wisdom.
Practical wisdom is a meta-virtue that guides individuals in making decisions when two or more virtues collide. This helps us determine what is morally right in a given situation so we can discern which virtue to put into action. We must consider the situation, the people involved, the varying perspectives, pros and cons of action choices, and what the good life is about in order to display practical wisdom. The good life is not what satisfies us in the moment, but what it means to live to your fullest potential and morally well for the common good. Thus, good character means using practical wisdom and living that good life in pursuit of human flourishing for all.
