Development of Moral Character

Introduction

Aristotle tells us that there are good people in the world. These are those who exhibit
excellences-excellences of thought and excellences of character. His phrase for excellences of
character-ethikai aretai - we usually translate as moral virtue or moral excellence. When we
speak of a moral virtue or an excellence of character, the emphasis is on the combination of
qualities that make an individual the sort of ethically admirable person that he is. Aristotle
defines virtuous character at the beginning of Book II in Nicomachean Ethics: "Excellence of
character, then, is a state concerned with choice, lying in a mean relative to us, this being
determined by reason and in the way in which the man of practical wisdom would determine it.
Now it is a mean between two vices, that which depends on excess and that which depends on
defect". In Aristotle's view, good character is based on two naturally occurring psychological
responses that most people experience without difficulty: our tendency to take pleasure from
self-realizing activity and our tendency to form friendly feelings toward others under specific
circumstances. Based on his view, virtually everyone is capable of becoming better and they are
the ones responsible for actions that express (or could express) their character (Stanford
Encyclopedia).

What is Moral Character?

Moral character is formed by one's actions. The habits, actions, and emotional responses of the
person of good character all are united and directed toward the moral and the good.

Moral character or character is an evaluation of an individual's stable moral qualities. The

concept of character can imply a variety of attributes including the existence or lack of virtues
such as empathy, courage, fortitude, honesty, and loyalty, or of good behaviors or habits. Moral
character primarily refers to the assemblage of qualities that distinguish one individual from
another-although on a cultural level, the set of moral behaviors to which a social group adheres
can be said to unite and define it culturally as distinct from others. Psychologist Lawrence Pervin
defines moral character as "a disposition to express behavior in consistent patterns of functions
across a range of situations" (Timpe, 2008).

A moral character is defined as an idea in which one is unique and can be distinguished from
others. Perhaps it can assemble qualities and traits that are different from various individuals. It
implies to how individuals act, or how they express themselves. In another words, it is "human
excellence," or unique thoughts of a character. When the concept of virtue is spoken, this would
emphasize the distinctiveness or specialty, but it all involves the combination of qualities that
make an individual the way he or she is. Based on this definition, the insight of a moral character
can be viewed differently. Although these philosophers diverge with their arguments, they in
some sense have similarities. These similarities will show how the matter of a character is
important and crucial to the human nature.

Importance of Having a Strong Moral Character

When you have strong moral character, you’ll be judged by who you are rather than who you
pretend to be. Below are some of the consequences of having a strong moral character
(Sonnenberg, 2016):

1. Achieve peace of mind. People with character sleep well at night. They take great pride
in knowing that their intentions and actions are honorable. People with character also stay
true to their beliefs, do right by others, and always take the high ground.

2. Strengthen trust. People with character enjoy meaningful relationships based on

openness, honesty, and mutual respect. When you have good moral character, people
know that your behavior is reliable, your heart is in the right place, and your word is good
as gold.

3. Build a solid reputation. People with character command a rock-solid reputation. This
helps them attract exciting opportunities “like a magnet.”

4. Reduce anxiety. People with character carry less baggage. They’re comfortable within
their own skin, and they accept responsibility for their actions. They never have to play
games, waste precious time keeping their stories straight, or invent excuses to cover their
behind.

5. Increase leadership effectiveness. Leaders with character are highly effective. They have
no need to pull rank or resort to command and control to get results. Instead, they’re
effective because they’re knowledgeable, admired, trusted, and respected. This helps
them secure buy-in automatically, without requiring egregious rules or strong oversight
designed to force compliance.

6. Build confidence. People with character don’t worry about embarrassment if their actions
are publicly disclosed. This alleviates the need for damage control or the fear of potential
disgrace as a result of indiscretions.

7. Become a positive role model. People with character set the standard for excellence.
They live their life as an open book, teaching others important life lessons through their
words and their deeds.
 8. Live a purpose-driven life. People with character live a life they can be proud of. They’re
driven to make a difference and to do right by others rather than trying to impress others
with extravagance.

9. Build a strong business. Doing the right thing is good business. Everything else being
equal, talented people would rather work for – and customers would rather buy from-
companies that do right by their people, customers, and communities. While unprincipled
business tactics may provide short- term results, it’s NOT a long-term strategy.

Although you may not be able to quantify the benefits of being a good person, there’s great truth
in the saying, “good people finish first.” Strong moral character is like a boomerang that causes
good things to find their way back to you. So promise yourself to be true to yourself and do
what’s right, even when nobody is looking-Character matters.

Development of Moral Character

If you believe developing your character is an endeavor you want to pursue, here are some steps
to show you how:

1. Define your core values-Know what is most important to you by determining your values
for your professional and personal life. These are the principles that are the foundation
for your priorities, choices, actions, and behaviors.

2. Practice the habits-Pick one or two of the traits of good character to practice for several
weeks. Write down the actions you want to take or the behaviors you define that reflect
this trait, and implement them in your daily life and interactions. Wear a rubber band on
your wrist or create other reminders to help you practice.

3. Find people with character – Surround yourself with people who reflect the character
traits you want to embrace. They will inspire and motivate you to build these traits in
yourself. Try to avoid people who have a weak character and make bad decisions.

4. Take some risks-Start taking small actions toward a goal or value that involve some level
of risk. When you face the possibility of failure and challenge yourself toward success,
you become mentally and emotionally stronger and more committed to your principles.

5. Stretch yourself – Create high standards and big goals for yourself. Expect the best of
yourself and constantly work toward that, even though you will have setbacks and
occasional failures. Every stretch builds your confidence and knowledge that your
character is getting stronger.

6. Commit to self-improvement – Realize that building your character is a life- long

endeavor. It is something that is practiced both in the minutiae and the defining moments
of your life. There will be times you step up to the character traits you embrace and other
 times you falter. By remaining committed to personal growth and learning about yourself,
your character will naturally improve, even though the failures.

7.

Some Good Character Traits to Practice

1. Attract the trust and respect of other people.

2. Allows you to influence others.

3. Changes your perspective about failure.

4. Sustains you through difficult times or opposition.

5. Improves your self-esteem, self-respect, and confidence.

6. Creates a foundation for happy, healthy relationship.

7. Helps you stay committed to your values and goals.

8. Improves your chance of success in work and other endeavors.

Character Traits that Impact One’s Happiness (liveboldandbloom.com)

Good character consists of defining your values and integrity based on time-tested principles and
self-reflection and having the courage to live your life accordingly.

1. Integrity- Integrity is having strong moral principles and core values and then
conducting your life with those as your guide. When you have integrity, you main your
adherence to it whether or not other people are watching.

2. Honesty-Honesty is more than telling the truth. It’s living the truth. It is being
straightforward and trustworthy in all of your interactions, relationships, and thoughts.
Being honest requires self-honesty and authenticity.

3. Loyalty-Loyalty is faithfulness and devotion to your loved ones, your friends, and
anyone with whom you have a trusted relationship. Loyalty can also extend to your
employer, the organizations you belong to, your community, and your country.

4. Respectfulness – You treat yourself and others with courtesy, kindness, deference,
dignity, and civility. You offer basic respect as a sign of your value for the worth of all
people and your ability to accept the inherent flaws we all possess.

5. Responsibility – You accept personal, relational, career, community, and societal

obligations even when they are difficult or uncomfortable. You follow through on
 commitments and proactively create or accept accountability for your behavior and
choices.

6. Humility – You have a confident yet modest opinion of your own self- importance. You
don’t see yourself as “too good” for other people or situations. You have a learning and
growth mindset and the desire to express and experience gratitude for what you have,
rather than expecting you deserve more.

7. Compassion You feel deep sympathy and pity for the suffering and misfortune of others,
and you have a desire to do something to alleviate their suffering.

8. Fairness – Using discernment, compassion, and integrity, you strive to make decisions
and take actions based on what you consider the ultimate best course or outcome for all
involved.

9. Forgiveness-You make conscious, intentional decisions to let go of resentment and anger

toward someone for an offense – whether or not forgiveness is sought by the offender.
Forgiveness may or may not include pardoning, restoration, or reconciliation. It extends
both to others and to one’s self.

10. Authenticity – You are able to be your real and true self, without pretension, posturing,
or insincerity. You are capable of showing appropriate vulnerability and self-awareness:

11. Courageousness – Inspite of fear of danger, discomfort, or pain, you have the mental
fortitude to carry on with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is the right or best
course of action.

12. Generosity – You are willing to offer your time, energy, efforts, emotions, words, or
assets without the expectation of something in return. You offer these freely and often
joyously.

13. Perseverance – Perseverance is the steadfast persistence and determination to continue

on with a course of action, belief, or purpose, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable in
order to reach a higher goal or outcome.

14. Politeness – You are knowledgeable of basic good manners, common courtesies, and
etiquette, and are willing to apply those to all people you encounter. You desire to learn
the skills of politeness in order to enhance your relationships and self-esteem.

15. Kindness-Kindness is an attitude of being considerate, helpful, and benevolent to others.

It is motivated by a positive disposition and the desire for warm and pleasant
interactions.
 16. Lovingness – The ability to be loving toward those you love means showing them
through your words, actions, and expressions how deeply you care about their. It includes
the willingness to be open and vulnerable.

17. Optimism – Optimism is a sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future. It
involves a positive mental attitude in which you interpret life events, people, and
situations in a promising light.

18. Reliability – You can be consistently depended upon to follow through on your
commitments, actions, and decisions. You do what you say you will do.

19. Conscientiousness – You have the desire to do things well or to the best of your ability.
You are thorough, careful, efficient, organized, and vigilant in your efforts, based on your
own principles or sense of what is right.

20. Self-discipline – You are able, through good habits or willpower, to overcome your
desires or feelings in order to follow the best course of action or to rise to your
commitments or principles. You have a strong sense of self-control in order to reach a
desired goal.

References:

Leaño, Roman D. et al. Ethics for college Students. Mindshapers, Co., Inc. 2018.

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Prepared by: Tumbocon, Cheryl G. LPT, RL, MLIS

Instructor, GE8-Ethics, 2nd Sem AY2023-2024