Virtues… what are they? If you ask five different people what virtues are you will most likely get five differing answers. There is no single correct answer, a person’s definition of what virtues are is a reflection of the values they believe are important and help shape their character… provided they apply them.
As I continue my studies of philosophy and the exercises of applying those principles to my life, I often evaluate my own behaviors and actions against the core virtues of my philosophical studies which are: Wisdom, Justice, Courage, and Temperance (moderation/self-control). What I find interesting about defining virtues is determining what the quantifiable behaviors or actions are that we then deem to be virtuous. In my case, what actually defines behaviors or actions that are Wise, Just, Courageous, or Temperate? On the surface it might not appear to be too difficult to define criteria however, if you give serious thought to it, you begin to realize identifying specific behavioral instances or specific actions that are virtuous is rather subjective.
WISDOM: How do we determine if a person is Wise or displays a sense of Wisdom? If a person is more knowledgeable about a particular subject, does that mean they are Wise? No. They are possibly more educated about that subject or merely just more knowledgeable about it, but that is not Wisdom. Wisdom is something much more; it crosses boundaries, compliments and melds with other virtues. The question is… is Wisdom simply knowing what to say, what not to say; knowing when to act, when not to act; knowing how to act, how not to act… etc. How exactly does someone gain an understanding of these concepts? Through the experience that only comes from trial and error; by paying attention to the results of our actions; by asking ourselves, “Did that result in the expected or desired outcome?” No? Then what should have been said or done differently? This can only be discovered through self-evaluation and critique.
JUSTICE: What defines Justice, as in someone’s actions being Just. Were their actions fair? Who determines what is fair? What might seem fair to one person might not be to another. How many times have you heard someone say, “That’s not fair!” Something else to consider regarding the virtue Justice, it applies to actions or events that are external to you. A person should also pursue “fair” and Just outcomes for others… understanding this means one might have to endure a personal sacrifice or hardship in order to achieve a “fair” and Just outcome for someone else. Something else to consider, a person’s actions may be considered completely inappropriate when compared to the norms of society, but to the individual performing those actions they might believe they are completely justified and in the “right”.
COURAGE: Courage takes many forms and occurs at any time. Courage is not limited to the actions such as a stranger rushing into a burning building to help others, or a soldier on the battlefield. Courage can come in the simplest and most mundane of forms… a friend who gives their honest opinion when asked, knowing it might not be what you want to hear or might hurt your feelings. Courage is saying what needs to be said when others are afraid to speak. Courage is acting on a decision knowing it will result in a potentially turbulent period. Courage is sometimes saying nothing or taking no action. What I find interesting about the notion of Courage is that it is perceived differently by each person. Someone who avoids a conflict or physical altercation might be viewed as a coward by some, but as a noble and upstanding person by others. Only the individual person can define what Courage means to them.
TEMPERANCE (moderation/self-control): This goes well beyond moderation of food and drink. Temperance is a matter of establishing and maintaining boundaries and limitations. These boundaries and limitations apply to all aspects of a person’s life… morally, socially, physically, mentally, and anything else that becomes unhealthy if in excess. When I say “unhealthy” I don’t just mean physically, but also mentally and morally. This virtue might be the most challenging to apply consistently and master because we seem to be constantly subjected to things that test our Will. When a lack of self-control seems to be present the key is to remind yourself of what the ultimate goal is and if the actions you are about to take are inline with what will help you reach your goals… in a noble manner. If one of your goals is to have a successful career, causing others to fail is not an appropriate means of achieving that goal. The challenge is to be aware of your behavior and actions, and realize when your self-control is beginning to falter. What events are occurring that are influencing you in a manner that is counter to your desired virtue? What must be done to correct your path and regain control? It is completely natural to want to indulge in activities and things that give us pleasure. It is another thing to be overly engrossed or obsessed to the point it becomes unhealthy or harmful to yourself or others.
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER: So when we consider these virtues (Wisdom, Justice, Courage, and Temperance) it isn’t too difficult to see how they work together in almost any given situation. For instance, a person that intervenes when someone is being bullied. One could say it takes Courage to confront the bully when the simpler thing would be to ignore the situation and continue about your business. If we ignore the situation we are denying the person being bullied Justice. Confronting the bully in a tactful, non-threatening manner would involve applying Wisdom and Courage and hopefully result in some form of Justice for the person being bullied. In this example, Justice isn’t solely the goal for the person being bullied, but also applies to the person confronting the bully because they are being Just by “doing the right thing”.
As we go about our day it is important to pause periodically and reflect on what we have recently done and what we are currently doing… and ask ourselves, “Have my actions been in alignment with my core virtues?” If not, what should have been done differently? This is a constantly evolving process as every situation has its own unique set of circumstances.
Mistakes don’t necessarily mean failure… they are opportunities for growth and improvement. Failure only occurs when we quit trying….