The Dissenter
#1077 Blaine Fowers: The Science of Virtue
Mar 28, 2025
Blaine Fowers, a Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Miami, discusses the ethical dimensions of psychology and co-authored 'The Science of Virtue.' He delves into virtue theory, exploring how virtues impact character and are shaped by cultural contexts. The conversation unpacks Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia and critiques the individualistic tendencies in American psychology. Fowers emphasizes the importance of community in fostering virtues and shares insights on educational interventions that promote genuine happiness through altruism.
01:04:39
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Quick takeaways
- Virtue theory emphasizes the importance of developing virtues as habits essential for moral behavior and living a commendable life.
- The distinction between virtues and personality traits highlights that virtues can be cultivated through conscious practice and practical wisdom.
Deep dives
Understanding Virtue Theory
Virtue theory, rooted in moral philosophy, emphasizes the development of virtues as habits that enable individuals to act in morally commendable ways. Aristotle formulated this theory, proposing that virtues allow people to pursue a good life naturally, once they become habitually ingrained. Virtues are not just theoretical concepts; they manifest in actions and are essential to living consistently and ethically. Importantly, virtue theory acknowledges human imperfection, suggesting that while individuals strive for virtuous behavior, they will occasionally falter due to various life circumstances.
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