Single Idea 7095

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / d. Teaching virtue]

Full Idea

According to virtue theory, education through moral exemplars is more effective than education focused on principles and obligations, because it is far more concrete.

Gist of Idea

Moral education is better by concrete example than abstract principle

Source

Daniel Statman (Introduction to Virtue Ethics [1997], §3)

Book Reference

'Virtue Ethics', ed/tr. Statman,Daniel [Edinburgh 1997], p.13


A Reaction

Aristotle's view is that virtues must be developed from childhood, when principles don't mean much. The problem is that young people may witness highly virtuous behaviour in their exemplars, but totally fail to appreciate it without mention of principles.