The Science of Virtue
A Framework for Research

By integrating psychological and philosophical perspectives, this book explains how and why scientists study moral virtues.

Blaine J. Fowers (Author), Bradford Cokelet (Author), Nathan D. Leonhardt (Author)

9781108490054, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 February 2024

394 pages
23.5 x 16 x 2.5 cm, 0.72 kg

'The Science of Virtue is a major contribution to the emerging literature on virtue measurement. Co-authored by psychologists and a philosopher, it showcases the richness of interdisciplinary collaboration. Of the many interesting discussions it offers, let me mention only four: the development of the STRIVE-4 model, insights on moral development and virtue, an analysis of personality and virtue, and a treatment of values in psychological science. Anyone interested in virtue and psychology will learn a great deal from reading this book.' Nancy Snow, University of Kansas

Integrating psychological and philosophical research on virtue and moral development, this book presents a real-world program for virtue science. Offering empirically testable hypotheses, the chapters deliver theoretical and methodological guidance that shows how existing research can become a cohesive and truly interdisciplinary science of virtue. The authors' unique 'STRIVE-4 Model' defines a unifying conceptual framework, making the book an indispensable resource for a new generation of scholars and students. This empirically tested model provides the much-needed foundation that can put to rest traditional worries about moral science. While mapping out the relevant areas of psychology and value-focused inquiry, the book lays out an interdisciplinary approach to many questions, including the problem of knowledge about character. Written for those researching virtue drawing on personality, developmental, moral, and positive psychology, as well as moral philosophy and character education, the book demonstrates the importance and applications of studying virtues empirically.

Introduction: why study moral virtue
Part I. Philosophical Resources and Prospects: 1. Virtue theory
2. A philosophically informed virtue science
Part II. Psychological Resources and Prospects: 3. Toward reconciling the fragmentation of virtue science
4. The psychology of moral development and virtue
5. Personality and virtue
6. The place of values in virtue science
Part III. Organizing Virtue Research with the STRIVE-4 Model: 7. Virtues as scalar traits
8. The role sensitivity of virtues
9. Virtue trait by situation interactions
10. Values and eudaimonia as guideposts for virtues
11. The four components of virtue
Part IV. The Science and Practice of Virtue: 12. Virtue science and moral philosophy
13. Virtue science and psychology.

Subject Areas: The self, ego, identity, personality [JMS]