A Naturalist System of Virtues
A system of virtues is like a how-to manual or road map describing how to thrive and be effective in the world.
A system of virtues is superior than a moral code because it is up to each individual to decide how best to actualize these virtues in their own lives. In addition, a moral code is rigid whereas a system of virtues is dynamic. A moral code says “thou shalt not” whereas a system of virtues says “thou shalt be”. A system of virtues exhorts us to become the best person we can be. It speaks to our higher natures whereas a moral code speaks to our lower nature. Thus a system of virtues optimistically expects the success of the individual whereas a moral code expects failure.
The system of virtues I am presenting is a triad.
The triad consists of:
Meta Virtues
Epistemological Virtues
Social Virtues
The three together encompass how to be, how to think and how to act respectively.
In the past, systems of ethics have dealt almost exclusively with social virtues. The addition of Meta and Epistemological virtues are innovations that are uniquely naturalistic.
META VIRTUES
Meta Virtues describe how to be, thus we could call them ontological virtues. They could also be called Prime Virtues because they come first. The name Meta is meant to convey the fact that these virtues are broadly applicable to all the other virtues. That is, the meta virtues describe how the other virtues are to be applied.
There is always the fear that a system of ethics will morph into a rigid moral code that represses individuality.
By adopting meta virtues, we ensure that this does not happen. By the cardinal meta virtue of Adaptability, we understand that virtues must be adopted pragmatically. That is, the adoption of virtues should be pragmatic and evolving.
EPISTEMOLOGICAL VIRTUES
Epistemological virtues suggest those virtues which if adopted will result in the effective processing of information. Through the cardinal virtues of Receptivity and Competence we can effectively act in the world for the betterment of ourselves and the society in which we live. The Epistemological section recognizes the primacy of reason while at the same time recognizing the value of intuition, culture and experience in helping us shape the world.
SOCIAL VIRTUES
This section of virtues is the most familiar to all of us. In the past, systems of ethics have almost exclusively focused on social virtues. But social virtues cannot be adopted or applied effectively unless there first exists good meta virtues and epistemological virtues. Meta virtues provide the context and epistemological virtues provide the tools by which social virtues can be adopted and applied effectively.
Humans are to society as fish are to water. The social fabric is an extension of self and determines in great part whether or not we will thrive and grow as individuals. By incorporating virtues, we become integral and reliable columns of support in the social edifice.
To become the best person we can be and to help build the best social system should be the ultimate goal of any ethical system.
