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Living Toward Virtue

Author: Paul Woodruff

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2022-11-30

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 0197672124

"Virtue ethics can be practical if we give it a new start, working from Socrates' approach to ethics as represented in Plato. This approach is more promising than that of most recent virtue ethicists, who begin from Aristotle. It is also more practical than modern ethical theories. Socrates asks us to nurture the moral health of our souls all our lives, whereas Aristotle teaches us to acquire virtues as traits. Traits are not reliable however, and false confidence in one's virtue is a major cause of moral error and the moral injury that results from error. I must never think with any certainty that I have a virtue. It is especially dangerous for me to think that I have the wisdom or moral knowledge that would keep me on the right path. Socrates sets an example by recognizing his ignorance through self-examination and by making that recognition a cornerstone of human wisdom. But Socrates does not explain how we can seek virtue when we do not know for sure what it is. This book goes beyond what we know of Socrates in order to show how we can seek virtue without having knowledge. Using real-life examples, some of them from warfare, the book shows how we can nurture our souls and avoid moral injury so far as possible. The outcome of a life on this Socratic model is beauty of soul and a special kind of happiness"--

Reverence

Author: Paul Woodruff

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 0199350809

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Reverence is an ancient virtue that survives among us in half-forgotten patterns of civility and moments of inarticulate awe. Reverence gives meaning to much that we do, yet the word has almost passed out of our vocabulary. Reverence, says philosopher and classicist Paul Woodruff, begins in an understanding of human limitations. From this grows the capacity to be in awe of whatever we believe lies outside our control -- God, truth, justice, nature, even death. It is a quality of character that is especially important in leadership and in teaching, although it figures in virtually every human relationship. It transcends religious boundaries and can be found outside religion altogether. Woodruff draws on thinking about this lost virtue in ancient Greek and Chinese traditions and applies lessons from these highly reverent cultures to today's world. The book covers reverence in a variety of contexts -- the arts, leadership, teaching, warfare, and the home -- and shows how essential a quality it is to a well-functioning society. First published by Oxford University Press in 2001, this new edition of Reverence is revised and expanded. It contains a foreword by Betty Sue Flowers, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Austin, a new preface, two new chapters -- one on the sacred and one on compassion -- and an epilogue focused on renewing reverence in our own lives.

The Book of Virtues

Author: William J. Bennett

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2010-05-11

Total Pages: 1917

ISBN-13: 1439126259

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Responsibility. Courage. Compassion. Honesty. Friendship. Persistence. Faith. Everyone recognizes these traits as essentials of good character. In order for our children to develop such traits, we have to offer them examples of good and bad, right and wrong. And the best places to find them are in great works of literature and exemplary stories from history. William J. Bennett has collected hundreds of stories in The Book of Virtues, an instructive and inspiring anthology that will help children understand and develop character -- and help adults teach them. From the Bible to American history, from Greek mythology to English poetry, from fairy tales to modern fiction, these stories are a rich mine of moral literacy, a reliable moral reference point that will help anchor our children and ourselves in our culture, our history, and our traditions -- the sources of the ideals by which we wish to live our lives. Complete with instructive introductions and notes, The Book of Virtues is a book the whole family can read and enjoy -- and learn from -- together.

On Patience

Author: Matthew Pianalto

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2016-05-31

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 149852821X

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Many of us are so busy that we might be tempted to think we don’t have time to be patient. However, that idea involves a serious underestimation of what patience is and why it matters. In On Patience, Matthew Pianalto revives a richer understanding of what patience is and why it is centrally important in both virtue theory and everyday life. Drawing from a wide range of philosophical and religious sources, Pianalto shows that our contemporary tendency to equate patience with waiting fails to do justice to other aspects of patience such as tolerance, perseverance, and the opposition of patience to anger. With this broader understanding of patience, Pianalto further shows how patience supports the development of other moral strengths, such as courage, justice, love, and hope. In these ways, On Patience sheds light on Franz Kafka’s remark that, “Patience is the master key to every situation,” and Gregory the Great’s perhaps surprising claim that, “Patience is the root and guardian of all the virtues.” This first book-length contemporary philosophical examination of patience will be of interest to students and scholars not just of virtue ethics, but also of moral philosophy more broadly.

On Reading Well

Author: Karen Swallow Prior

Publisher: Brazos Press

Published: 2018-09-04

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 1493415468

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★ Publishers Weekly starred review A Best Book of 2018 in Religion, Publishers Weekly Reading great literature well has the power to cultivate virtue, says acclaimed author Karen Swallow Prior. In this book, she takes readers on a guided tour through works of great literature both ancient and modern, exploring twelve virtues that philosophers and theologians throughout history have identified as most essential for good character and the good life. Covering authors from Henry Fielding to Cormac McCarthy, Jane Austen to George Saunders, and Flannery O'Connor to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Prior explores some of the most compelling universal themes found in the pages of classic books, helping readers learn to love life, literature, and God through their encounters with great writing. The book includes end-of-chapter reflection questions geared toward book club discussions, original artwork throughout, and a foreword by Leland Ryken. The hardcover edition was named a Best Book of 2018 in Religion by Publishers Weekly. "[A] lively treatise on building character through books.'"--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Happiness and Virtue Beyond East and West

Author: Kevin Ryan

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2012-10-16

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 146290761X

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Discover global perspectives on happiness through this series of essays. Happiness and Virtue Beyond East and West presents an important series of essays from Japanese and American authors that examine essential virtues shared by both Eastern and Western cultures. Its ultimate goal is for happiness to be realized in a globally and socially responsible manner. Each chapter examines the importance of one of nine virtues Courage Justice Benevolence Gratitude Wisdom Reflection Respect Responsibility Temperance These essays demonstrate that the virtues and happiness associated with living a good life know no national boundaries. It is the sincere hope of the editors and authors that this book will help its readers re-examine the timeless question of what constitutes true happiness and will therefore play some part in increasing international cooperation and good will. Perfect for readers interested in transculturalism, Happiness and Virtue Beyond East and Westis a thorough examination of global perspectives on happiness.

Extreme Virtue

Author: Crispin Sartwell

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2012-02-01

Total Pages: 150

ISBN-13: 0791486192

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Extreme Virtue presents a new and radical approach to the problems of leadership and virtue in public life. Originating in the author's newspaper writing about the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal, the book grapples with what has gone wrong in the American political system and describes what we should look for in our leaders. Sartwell argues that the real problem is a pervasive lack of truth in political leaders and that more can be accomplished by straight talk than by polling and focus groups. The book consists of biographical portraits of five great Americans: anarchists Emma Goldman and Voltairine de Cleyre, conservative senator Barry Goldwater, Lakota spiritual leader John Fire Lame Deer, and black nationalist Malcolm X. The author argues that what makes these figures distinctively American is that each shares a suspicion of power and a vision of individual liberation. Despite their distinctive and unique approaches, each person is a model of truth in public life.

Back to Virtue

Author: Peter Kreeft

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2009-10-27

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 1681490471

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"We have reduced all virtues to one: being nice. And, we measure Jesus by our standard instead of measuring our standard by Him." For the Christian, explains author Peter Kreeft, being virtuous is not a means to the end of pleasure, comfort and happiness. Virtue, he reminds us, is a word that means "manly strength." But how do we know when we are being meek--or just cowardly? When is our anger righteous--and when is it a sin? What is the difference between being virtuous--and merely ethical? Back to Virtue clears up these and countless other questions that beset Christians today. Kreeft not only summarizes scriptural and theological wisdom on leading a holy life, he contrasts Christian virtue with other ethical systems. He applies traditional moral theology to present-day dilemmas such as abortion and nuclear armament. Kreeft restores to us what was once common knowledge: the Seven Deadly Sins have an antidote in the Beatitudes. By setting up a close contrast between the two sets of behaviors, Kreeft offers proven guidance in the often bewildering process of discerning right from wrong as we move into the questionable mores of the twenty-first century. He provides a road map of virtue, a map for our earthly pilgrimage synthesized from the accumulated wisdom of centuries of Christians, from Paul and the early Church Fathers through C.S. Lewis.

The Power of Patience

Author: M. J. Ryan

Publisher: Mango Media Inc.

Published: 2021-06-15

Total Pages: 174

ISBN-13: 1642504580

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Find Joy in a Busy World by Practicing Patience “This book is a true gift to the world. It's insightful and full of calm, helpful wisdom.” —Richard Carlson, author of Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Bestselling author M.J. Ryan details just what living with patience can bring to our lives and how it can change us for the better. Take a deeper look at an old-fashioned quality. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Patience is a virtue,” and doubtless responded with a sigh, as usually it’s spoken with a tone of reproach. But this virtue carries with it a wealth of wisdom that can actually help us find happiness in our day-to-day life. Slow the rush. Things move at a quick pace in our society, in both our work lives and social lives. Not only are we forced to keep up, but we have been conditioned to expect instant gratification. Because of this, we find ourselves getting flustered by the smallest setbacks or hold ups?whether it’s a slow server at a restaurant or rush-hour traffic. Ryan shares how patience is the very antidote to the stress of our fast-paced lifestyle. Reclaim your priorities. By reining in our aggravation when things don’t happen instantaneously, we give ourselves time to breathe and think more clearly. We make better use of our days and allow ourselves to make decisions based on how they align with our priorities, instead of focusing on how fast we can get tasks done. With M.J. Ryan’s help, we can learn to foster a patient outlook and find joy and fulfillment in the present moment. M.J. Ryan’s book is a fulfilling and beneficial self-care gift for women and men that provides: Straightforward, believable instructions for developing a habit of patience A source of stress-relief and guide to happier living Ways to find peaceful moments amidst the hustle and bustle that each day brings Readers of Present Over Perfect, When Less Becomes More, The Joy of Missing Out, or Stillness is Key will love M.J. Ryan’s The Power of Patience.

After Virtue

Author: Alasdair MacIntyre

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2013-10-21

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 1623569818

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Highly controversial when it was first published in 1981, Alasdair MacIntyre's After Virtue has since established itself as a landmark work in contemporary moral philosophy. In this book, MacIntyre sought to address a crisis in moral language that he traced back to a European Enlightenment that had made the formulation of moral principles increasingly difficult. In the search for a way out of this impasse, MacIntyre returns to an earlier strand of ethical thinking, that of Aristotle, who emphasised the importance of 'virtue' to the ethical life. More than thirty years after its original publication, After Virtue remains a work that is impossible to ignore for anyone interested in our understanding of ethics and morality today.