Author Archives: moralityresearch99

Abstract: This essay raises concerns about positive psychology’s classification of character strengths and virtues and issues of measurement. Part I examines the process whereby the classification was compiled. Part II turns to issues of measurement and questions about positive psychologists’ sensitivity to variations in the meanings of the constructs they purport to measure, both withinContinue reading “Positive Psychology, the Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues, and Issues of Measurement – Nancy E. Snow (2019)”

Abstract: One of the main arguments that has been given for the importance of virtue is that it is not only important for, but is in fact constitutive of, a life well-lived, necessary for human wellbeing and flourishing. Yet, human life is also profoundly fragile, often filled with, and always vulnerable to, suffering. Thus, weContinue reading “Suffering, Virtue, and Character: Why the Science of Virtue Matters – Nancy E. Snow (2020)”

Abstract: Our primary aim in this paper is to sketch the account of virtue that we think most amenable to virtue measurement. Our account integrates Whole Trait Theory (WTT) from psychology with a broadly neo-Aristotelian approach to virtue. Our account is ‘ecumenical’ in that it has appeal for a wide range of virtue ethicists. AccordingContinue reading “Virtue Measurement: Theory and Applications – Nancy E. Snow (2020)”

Description: With Jennifer Cole Wright and Michael T. Warren, in Practical Wisdom. Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives, edited by Mario De Caro and Maria Silvia Vaccarezza. 

Abstract: This Element provides an overview of the central components of recent work in virtue ethics. The first section explores central themes in neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics, while the second turns the discussion to major alternative theoretical perspectives. The third section focuses on two challenges to virtue ethics. The first challenge is the self-centeredness or egoismContinue reading “Contemporary Virtue Ethics – Nancy E. Snow (2020)”

Abstract: The last thirty years has seen a resurgence of interest in virtue among philosophers, psychologists, and educators. As is often the case with interdisciplinary endeavors, this renewed interest in virtue faces an important challenge—namely, successfully standing up to the requirements imposed by different disciplinary standards. For virtue, this means developing an account that practitionersContinue reading “Understanding Virtue: Theory and Measurement – Nancy E. Snow (2021)”