Virtue is a trait of good moral character. It is a disposition to act well, to feel appropriately, and to choose wisely. The classical virtues include courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom. The Christian virtues include faith, hope, and charity. Aristotle argued that virtue is a mean between two extremes, acquired through habit. You become courageous by doing courageous acts. You become honest by telling the truth. Virtue is not just knowing what is right. It is being the kind of person who does it. That is why Aristotle emphasized education and practice. Virtue is learned, not innate.

Virtue ethics is an approach to ethics that focuses on character rather than rules or consequences. It asks what kind of person I should be, not just what I should do. The approach has roots in Aristotle, Confucius, and the Stoics. It was revived in the 20th century by philosophers like Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, and Alasdair MacIntyre. Virtue ethics has been applied to medicine, business, law, and education. It emphasizes practical wisdom, the ability to discern what is right in particular situations. Critics argue that virtue ethics is vague, that it does not tell us what to do in dilemmas. Defenders reply that it provides a richer account of moral life than rule-based or consequence-based theories. Virtue is not just a set of traits. It is a way of living.

Classical virtues

• Courage. Facing fear and danger appropriately.
• Justice. Giving each person their due.
• Temperance. Moderation in desire and action.
• Wisdom. Knowing how to act well.

Virtue is not the same as innocence. Innocence is lack of experience. Virtue is cultivated through experience and practice.