Cool Words

Vice

If a vice can be defined by the “inner disposition to perform morally wrong acts,” then the question arises, is the instrument (the drug, the behavior, the activity) the vice or is the desire to engage the instrument the vice? Another way to approach this question would be to consider a common addiction and its instrument: alcoholism. Some are quick to vilify alcohol as the problem, or more specifically, the possibility that alcohol possess addictive qualities. Because of this, alcohol is often referred to as a vice. It is also certainly the case that many are prone to fall victim to the consequences of alcohol over-consumption. But is alcohol the problem or are the behaviors attached to alcohol consumption the true source of the vice?

The definition above, proposed by The Pocket Dictionary of Ethics, would suggest that the nature of vice is rooted within the individual and not the instrument. Though this is seemingly contrary to popular opinion, it more closely positions vice in relation to morality and the conventions of modern thought. It’s conceivable then, to imagine how it’s possible to experience shifts in whether or not certain instruments are considered to be vices. Again, consider popular moral opinion concerning alcohol in the United States during the 1930’s verses the 1970’s or today. Given these shifts however, we are left to wonder if there are any underlying commonalities for any vice that stand outside of moral interpretation or thought? In other words, what do all vices hold in common?

Virtue

On the other side of the “inner disposition” coin from vice, sits virtue. Similarly defined by morality, virtue and its quest has been the fascination of ethicists since the earliest Greek philosophers began classifying human behavior. The concept of how humans should be or what they should do is in direct correlation to virtue. Lists of desired virtues are all over the place. The tenets of most religious and cultural traditions include descriptions of virtuous behavior.

It’s interesting that in Nicomachean Ethics, virtues are valued in how they help a person navigate their way in the world, in particular through relationships with other and in the quest to find happiness. Here again we see how the role of the other, like in determining the morality of the day, is integral in determining what is or isn’t virtuous. It could be argued that some virtues, like temperance or justice, can only be understood in relationship with the other. Whereas virtues like wisdom or courage hold a certain presence outside of relationship but the degrees to which they are employed may only be valued in community.

To understand virtue, it’s also important to acknowledge the differences between character and conduct. One’s character is not necessarily readily apparent until one’s conduct is made plain. To hold a particular behavior as virtuous may not matter until said virtue is put to the test, presumably in relationship to the other. For example, if justice is said to be virtuous, then how that justice is exercised towards the other makes manifest the virtue.