EDUCATION MATTERS: Virtue Ethics for the Catholic leader (Part Two)

By Dr Gerard Gaskin, Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania

In Part One of this series, we explored the baptismal vocation of the Catholic leader as well as the need for an explicit moral framework in our decision making. In Part Two we look at virtue versus vice and will explore the aspects of flourishing and practical wisdom.

Virtue versus Vice

Virtues are positive character traits (good habits that are practiced daily) that enable individuals to act in morally good ways. The Cardinal virtues are prudence (choosing to do the good and wise thing), temperance (moderating our appetites, behaviour and desires), justice (giving to each person what is their due), and courage (the ability to do what is right, even against strong opposition). These virtues are intentional, developmental, and practised every day. Aristotle says that the way to grow in virtue is simply to practice being virtuous. It’s a simple recipe for life-long success. As every athlete or outstanding performer knows, we do best what we practice the most.

Vices are negative traits that lead to immoral behaviour. These too can become habitual if we do not concentrate on the practice of virtue. Each Cardinal virtue has its opposite vice. The virtue of prudence has opposite vices such as foolishness, impetuosity, and capriciousness; temperance protects us against the vices of greed, lust, gluttony, and addiction. The vices of timidity, cowardice, and avoidance can be countered by practising the virtue of courage. Finally, those who seek to grow in justice will avoid anger, dishonesty, and favouritism.

Virtue Ethics contains a study of certain aspects of human experience. Two of these are:

1. Eudaimonia: Often translated as “flourishing” or “well-being,” eudaimonia is the ultimate goal in virtue ethics. It represents living a meaningful life through the purposeful practice of virtue. For the believing Catholic, eudaimonia has its fulfilment in the life to come. Those of us who seek to build the Kingdom of God on this earth by our leadership, and who desire to reach Heaven after death, are promised by Jesus Christ that this is the way to “life to the full”, (John 10:10). When people fall into any of the vices, such as listed above, they experience a lack of meaning in their existence, because their behaviour harms their spiritual wellbeing and inhibits their chance to flourish. It is no surprise that the word “vicious” has its root in the word “vice.”
2. Phronesis (Practical Wisdom): This is the ability to make the right decisions in specific situations. It involves not just knowing what is good, but also how to achieve it in practice. Practical wisdom is something that grows as a fruit of experience. New leaders struggle to make decisions when the issues they consider are new to them. For the aspiring leader it is necessary to go through a considered decision-making process that takes account of a number of things, such as: (1) the mission of their organisation, in our case, the evangelising mission of the Catholic Church, (2) their personal guiding principles such as justice, honesty, transparency, etc., (3) taking the time to assemble all the relevant facts and details that inform good decisions, (4) considering the likely consequences of the decision – good and bad, (5) determining whether the decision is morally correct in its act, intention, and circumstances. Whilst initially, this is a lengthy and exhaustive process, it is vital that none of these steps are left out. To leave out a vital step – such as not getting all the facts or failing to consider the likely consequences – usually ends badly. The consolation for the new leader is that eventually a degree of “automaticity” comes into play. The emerging leader gradually accrues experience in the decision-making process by following all the essential steps, as well as reflecting on previous decisions and learning (and remembering) from past mistakes. Deciding becomes easier over time, as we make more and more decisions. As Aristotle says we become better at the things we practice the most. It takes time and practice to grow in Phronesis. There is no easy path to practical wisdom, but it is a very rewarding one for the dedicated and committed Christian leader.

In Part Three we will further explore Virtue Ethics and moral character, as well as its historical background and some more practical implications.