Attention to Virtues

In Attention to Virtues Robert C. Roberts offers a view of moral philosophical inquiry reminiscent of the ancient Greek concern that philosophy improve a practitioner's life by improving her character. The book divides human virtues into three groups: virtues of caring (generosity and truthfulness for example are direct while justice and the sense of duty are indirect) enkratic virtues (courage self-control) and humility which is in a class by itself. The virtues are individuated by their conceptual structure which Roberts calls their 'grammar.' Well-illustrated accounts of generosity gratitude compassion forgivingness truthfulness patience courage justice and a sense of duty relate such traits to human concerns and the emotions that express them in the circumstances of life. The book provides a comprehensive account of excellent moral character and yet treats each virtue in enough detail to bring it to life.