What are positive character traits referred to in ethical discussions?

In ethical discussions, positive character traits are referred to as virtues. Virtues represent commendable qualities that are deemed important in moral philosophy and ethics, such as honesty, courage, compassion, and integrity. They are often seen as the building blocks of good character, guiding individuals toward making morally sound decisions and fostering positive behaviors.

When discussing ethics, virtues play a critical role as they shape the character of a person and influence their actions in society. Virtue ethics, a branch of moral philosophy, emphasizes the importance of developing virtuous character traits to achieve a fulfilling and morally good life. In contrast, values generally refer to beliefs or standards that one deems important, principles often denote fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of beliefs, and ethics encompasses the broader set of moral principles governing an individual’s or group’s behavior. Thus, while all these terms are related to ethical discussions, virtues specifically denote the positive traits that characterize moral individuals.