This book explores the nitty-gritty details of particular virtues. Most of the virtues discussed-ambition, cheerfulness, creativity, magnificence, pride, wit, wonder-have been almost wholly neglected by contemporary ethicists.
Much of the work that has been done on virtue has been devoted to getting virtue ethics a seat at the theoretical table. It has been concerned with showing that virtue ethics can provide a satisfactory account of right action to rival accounts offered by consequentialism and deontology.
This volume of essays explores the nitty-gritty details of particular virtues. It includes original contributions from a number of leading scholars in virtue ethics. Most of the virtues discussed - such as ambition, cheerfulness, creativity, magnificence, pride, wit, and wonder - have been almost wholly neglected by contemporary ethicists. The volume also includes coverage of other virtues that have received a fair amount of attention in recent years, such as charity, hope, justice, practical wisdom, and temperance. Here the essays address largely ignored dimensions of these virtues and show how these discussions can enrich our understanding of neglected virtues.
Neglected Virtues is a welcome addition to the scholarly literature on virtue ethics. Its focus on individual virtues, while not meant to be exhaustive, will open new avenues for future research in this rapidly growing area of ethics and moral philosophy.
"This excellent book makes an important and timely contribution to the virtue ethics literature by focussing on under-theorized virtues such as creativity, ambition, wonder, and humour. The contributors include many of the world's leading theorists in virtue ethics. It is highly recommended reading for scholars and students in moral philosophy." - Alfred Archer, Tilburg University, The Netherlands
"With the renewed emphasis on the virtues, most recent work has focussed attention on the typical Aristotelian moral virtues. This volume presents a delightfully fresh approach, addressing neglected - but important - virtues that also deserve the attention of those working in the virtue and vice tradition." - Craig A. Boyd, Saint Louis University, USA