Research Paper on:
Virtue Defined

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virtue that are negative and when embarking on defining this term, it helps to explore philosophers and what they might know about the subject. After all, the subject of virtue  is more than a mere two-dimensional concept. There are many definitions and connotations for the term and it is a rather complex issue. While several authors have had something to  say about virtue, there are two philosophers who stand out, and they are Aristotle and Confucius. In Chapter 13 of Book One, and in Chapter 1 of Book Two, of  Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle (2000) speaks of virtue. He sees virtue as choice and so morally correct action results from those who are virtuous. In other words, character is important and  if one is virtuous, he or she will make the correct choices in life. Aristotles idea is admittedly arbitrary. In other words, one could say that one is virtuous, and  that their actions are virtuous, but that might be illusive. Can virtue be whittled down to intrinsic right or wrong, or what one might do based upon his or her  own sense of morality? By taking Aristotles ideas to heart, one does have to embrace that notion. Confucius on the other hand, argued that people would be attracted to  others and be willing to help others, if they are virtuous (Lorenz, 2003). Virtue is not something embraced for materiality and one should not be extravagant or self-serving (2003). Self  cultivation is accomplished however only for the betterment of the rest of society, and Confucius claimed that in serving ones ruler, one deals with the tasks involved but makes  ones livelihood only a secondary consideration (2003). One begins to get the sense, when reviewing Confuciuss sentiments, that virtue is a selfless act. Confucius says that a public servant