Writing Notes: Character Traits (Virtues)
When describing someone, we often describe the virtues or values they exhibit, which are aligned to their character.
Virtues - positive personal strengths and behaviors that demonstrate an individual’s moral standards.
Can be considered the foundation of character and can be categorized as moral virtues, civic virtues, intellectual virtues, or performance virtues.
Can be considered habits of mind, enabling individuals to become critical thinkers who ask the right questions and seek answers from evidence-based resources.
These virtues support discernment, right action and the pursuit of knowledge while enabling problem-solving.
Can be considered habits of the heart.
Moral character guides decision making from multiple perspectives allowing individuals to evaluate situations and respond in a meaningful and responsible manner that keeps the betterment of society and all stakeholders in the forefront.
These virtues guide social connections and ethical decision making.
Can be considered habits of service.
Civic character supports a collaborative approach to solving systemic problems to contribute to the well-being of others and serve the public good.
These virtues ultimately support citizenship and community.
Can be considered habits of action and will, enabling us to marry the quality of our actions to the strength of our convictions.
These virtues equip and enable one to navigate life and uncertainty for success.
Performance virtues are informed by intellectual, moral, and civic virtues.
In collaboration, the virtue types allow individuals space to develop a deeper sense of virtuous behavior and growth through personal experiences and reflection when the virtues collide, known as practical wisdom, furthering our good sense.
Also known as phronesis, is the meta-virtue that guides individuals in making decisions when two or more virtues collide.
This helps us determine what is morally right in a given situation so we can discern which virtue to put into action.
Intellectual Virtues: Are my actions in pursuit of knowledge, truth and understanding?
Moral Virtues: Do I respond ethically and with heart?
Civic Virtues: Do I engage in responsible citizenship?
Performance Virtues: Do I have the tools to navigate life and uncertainty?
Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ +600 Personality Traits
