What questions should I ask when trying to understand each virtue?
Here's a rapid-fire guess at what I should ask myself when examining virtues. These questions should evolve while I am cycling through the virtue list.
The questions
- What is this virtue? How would you define it?
- Is this virtue actually a virtue? Does it describe excellence of character?
- Is there another virtue that conflicts with this?
- Does this virtue apply to everyone at all times, in every role? IOW, is this a cardinal virtue?
- How does this virtue relate to the cardinal virtues?
- Are there any other listed virtues that mean the same thing?
- Are there any roles where this virtue is possibly a vice?
- How do you acquire this virtue?
- Does this virtue apply to all acts of will: assent, desire and impulse?
- Does this virtue change my understanding of virtues in general?