In recent Ethics, what properties does ‘a good character’ possess? And how describe ‘a bad character’? Give us some examples and/or an analysis.
How would you describe an individual who has ‘a good character? [size=86](This emphasis is rooted in research in scientific ethics {in turn based in Moral Philosophy going back to work done by Aristotle in 334 BC, resulting in Modern Virtue Theory} and includes some of which has been learned from Brain Neurology, some from Moral Psychology, some from Behavioral Economics and Behavioral Ethics.)[/size]
For example, in order to start the discussion, I would describe such an individual of good character this way:
Authentic, has transparent motives, compassionate, kind, gentle, empathic, generous, amiable, sincere, reliable, loving, friendly, courteous, considerate, etc., etc.
In contrast, how would you describe an individual who has a ‘bad character’? What traits would he or she possess? For example, brutal, cruel, mean, selfish, corrupt, has a double standard: one for self but different ones for others, vicious, predatory, sociopathic, pathetic, like that defeated former chief-executive, extremely Narcissistic, self-centered, dogmatic, extremely opportunistic, unable to admit a wrong or a mistake, vain, rigid-thinking, manipulative, dangerous, compulsive liar, exploitative, self-righteous, untrustworthy, etc., etc.
Please give us your views on the subject. And what are the implications for Moral Philosophy? Does every human being shift smoothly from one type to the other; or are some more stable and dependable? What made them that way? Is it more genes or up-bringing? Or is it the culture in which they were raised? Can we ever, as we evolve as a species, develop a world where we see mostly people of good character? What would it take? And would you prefer to live in “an ethical world”?
Speak up. Where do you stand?