How are you going to teach virtue if you teach the relativity of all ethical ideas? Virtue, if it implies anything at all, implies an ethical absolute. A person whose idea of what is proper varies from day to day can be admired for his broadmindedness, but not for his virtue.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Teaching virtue requires an ethical absolute; relativism prevents true virtue, even if it fosters open‑mindedness.
- In plain terms
- Virtue needs fixed moral standards.
- What can you take from it?
- Establish clear ethical foundations in education.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can virtue exist without absolutes?
- How do we balance openness with moral firmness?
Another view
Absolute ethics can ignore cultural diversity and nuance.
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