What is Character?

Philosophers have been arguing about the importance of virtue and character for thousands of years. And today, psychologists are adding their voices to the mix.

In the twentieth century, questions about virtue abound. What are the virtues? How do we acquire them? How are they related to habits? And can they really predict our behavior in reliable ways?

Nowadays, most experts tend to think of character as a collection of personal traits like generosity, honesty, and perseverance. While debates over how much we control our character are ongoing, most scholars now agree that there are character traits, some of them are virtuous and some of them are not, and that we have at least some control. In other words: that we are responsible, at least to some extent, for the people we become.

In the application video for today’s class, Meghan will talk a bit about some extreme displays of virtue. Then you’ll have a chance to reflect on how such virtue are actually formed through action and habits.

1 minute