Character development

Definition

Character development refers to the process of nurturing and refining an individual's moral and ethical qualities, leading to the formation of virtuous habits and a strong moral character. This concept is central to virtue ethics, which emphasizes the importance of becoming a good person through the cultivation of virtues rather than merely following rules or focusing on outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Character development is a lifelong process that involves self-reflection, learning from experiences, and striving to align one's actions with virtuous principles.
2. In virtue ethics, character development is more important than the rules one follows, highlighting the belief that moral character shapes our actions and decisions.
3. Philosophers like Aristotle emphasized that character is formed through habituation, where consistent practice of virtues leads to their internalization in a person's character.
4. Character development encourages individuals to focus on who they are becoming rather than just what they do, promoting personal growth and moral integrity.
5. A strong moral character is seen as essential for achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing, which is the ultimate goal in virtue ethics.

Review Questions

• How does habituation contribute to character development within the framework of virtue ethics?
  • Habituation is crucial in character development because it involves the repeated practice of virtuous behaviors until they become ingrained habits. According to virtue ethics, consistently acting in alignment with virtues like courage or honesty gradually shapes an individual's moral character. This ongoing process allows a person to internalize these virtues, ultimately leading to a well-rounded and virtuous individual who embodies these qualities in daily life.
• Discuss the role of virtues in the character development process according to virtue ethics.
  • Virtues serve as the foundation for character development within virtue ethics by providing individuals with a set of moral traits to aspire towards. These positive qualities, such as kindness, bravery, and justice, guide ethical decision-making and influence behavior. By focusing on cultivating these virtues through practice and reflection, individuals can enhance their moral character and lead lives that align with ethical principles, thus achieving personal growth and fulfillment.
• Evaluate how character development influences ethical decision-making in individuals committed to virtue ethics.
  • Character development significantly influences ethical decision-making by establishing a framework where virtues guide choices and actions. Individuals who actively engage in developing their character are likely to approach dilemmas with a mindset centered around their values and moral traits. This means that rather than relying solely on rules or outcomes, they will consider how their decisions reflect their cultivated virtues. In doing so, they are not only concerned with the rightness of an action but also with who they are as moral agents in society.

Related terms

Virtues: Positive traits or qualities deemed to be morally good, such as courage, honesty, and compassion, that are essential for character development.

Moral Character: The collection of personal attributes that determine an individual's ability to make ethical decisions and act with integrity.

Habituation: The process by which individuals develop virtues through repeated practice and reinforcement of ethical behavior over time.