The significance and role of the moral character of an individual has been of interest to philosophers over the centuries. Different philosophers have had varied propositions on and representations of the constituents of standard moral values and beliefs. Aristotle, Confucius and Plato are some of the key representatives of philosophical teachings about virtuous living.
The three philosophers advanced various views on the interpretation of morality, some of which are similar while others different. They were mainly preoccupied with; the nature of virtue, description of a truly admirable character, the possibility of attainment of morality , the relationships and institutions that one could follow to become virtuous. It is imperative to note that Plato and Aristotle based their understanding of morality on the ancient Greek values, Guthrie, W (1975), while Confucius’ teachings were based on the emergence of new knowledge in the pre imperial China.
The doctrines of the three philosophers concur to the qualities of a truly superior person as the one exhibiting high levels of morality. Confucius attests that the superior man is the one who is ‘benevolent’ irrespective of his circumstances. Similarly, Aristotle notes that true peace and harmony can only be experienced within one with who experiences high levels of morality. Plato further notes that, character and discipline is the key determinant to an individual’s success.
The three philosophers had the same opinion that morality cannot only be based on the exhibited behavior but are likewise dependent on the rationality of man. Both Aristotle and Plato acknowledge that virtuous action must be as a result of a combination of both cognitive and affective elements. Aristotle agrees with Plato’s opinion that both the rational and the non-rational parts of the soul contribute to the development of virtuous character. The philosophy of Plato on the components of the soul and their role towards the development of character is also accepted by Aristotle. All the three philosophers are of the principle that man cannot attain moral perfection in his present state. However, Aristotle notes that achievement of excellence in character is possible if one achieves excellence in thought. Confucius also notes that high standards of morality are not possible with the ordinary condition of man, unless empowered by a supreme Heaven-god, MB-SOFT (2008).
The three philosophers differ on their understanding of moral character. According to Aristotle, excellence of character is a state of harmony between the feelings and actions. He notes that a vicious character will not live in peace since his soul is not in harmony with his character. Confucius however, bases his understanding of morality on the writings of the sacred texts. He notes that perfect principles of morality are the ones embodied in the sacred texts, Guthrie, W (1975), while Plato ascertains that it is only through proper education that one can attain excellence in character.
Of the three philosophers, Aristotle has a better prescription on the aspect of moral character. In support of Aristotle’s views, rationality is an integral component of the process of virtuous development. Similarly, true to Aristotle’s philosophy, virtuous people are better settled psychologically- what Aristotle calls psychological unification.‘
On the basis of my understanding, a morally upright individual attains satisfaction from and is contented with the little possessions at his disposal while a morally unrighteous person experience internal conflict. True to Aristotle’s opinion, individuals have the capacity for self improvement in the moral development.
As noted by Aristotle, moral excellence is equivalent to moral virtue. He states that there exist two kinds of excellences, one based on thought and the other character. Aristotle sees a virtuous person as the one who exhibits distinctive character making him ethically admirable to the society. Aristotle’s view on the development of rational power as a as a tool to moral development and the need to share our rationality with other competent members of the social groups is in line with the fact that interactions within individuals affects the acquisition of attitudes and desire consequently determining the extent of moral development.
References
Guthrie, W (1975). A History of Greek Philosophy, vol. 4, Cambridge University Press.
MB-SOFT (2008) Confucianism, Confucius. Web.
STANFORD (2007) Moral Character. Web.