Virtues can be defined as character traits, qualities that

impact how we feel, think, and act

can be cultivated through intentional practice, and also

shape our practice and action.

Some Virtues

Virtues can often be different depending on the society that is considering them. Below you will find a list of virtues often valued by those in North America. This is clearly not an exhaustive list. You may want to add to the list yourself.

Adaptability

Attentiveness

Authenticity

Commitment

Compassion

Contentment

Cooperation

Courage

Excellence

Faithfulness

Frugality

Generosity

Gentleness

Gratitude

Honesty

Hope

Hospitality

Humility

Inclusion

Integrity

Initiative

Justice

Kindness

Love

Loyalty

Mercy

Moderation

Open-mindedness

Patience

Perseverance

Piety

Professionalism

Provide for others

Quality

Reliability

Respect

Self-discipline

Self-sacrifice

Service

Sustainability

Tact

Transparency

Directions

Below are several scenarios. Think about each of the following scenarios and determine how you believe a virtuous person would respond. It might help to think about a person, real or fictional, who you would consider to be highly moral and decide how they might act. Then, try to determine which virtues (character traits) would be most likely to influence them to act that way.

Scenarios

Scenario 1: Difficult assignment

A professor has made a new assignment that is more difficult for students than she expected. She finds out by overhearing them before class how much time they spent on it and how frustrated they were. If she is a virtuous person, how should she respond? What action should she take?

What virtues will guide her as she assesses and responds to this situation?

Scenario 2: Assignment deadline approaching

A student has a good friend who comes to him 1 hour before an assignment is due asking for help. The student finds out that the friend has not actually started the program yet. The professor has made it clear that submitted assignments are to be a student’s own work. What does the virtuous student do?

What virtues will guide him as he assesses and responds to this situation?

Scenario 3: Office hours

A lab assistant is just about to finish his office hour. His professor has told him that she can’t pay him for more than that one hour. The lab assistant also has some assignments to finish up for his own work. A student shows up with a syntax error that she just can’t fix. What does the virtuous TA do?