
The Science of Virtue
A Framework for Research
Cambridge University Press
Published on 1. February 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
394 pages
978-1-108-74798-1 (ISBN)
Description
Integrating psychological and philosophical research on virtue and moral development, this book presents a real-world program for virtue science. Offering empirically testable hypotheses, the chapters deliver theoretical and methodological guidance that shows how existing research can become a cohesive and truly interdisciplinary science of virtue. The authors' unique 'STRIVE-4 Model' defines a unifying conceptual framework, making the book an indispensable resource for a new generation of scholars and students. This empirically tested model provides the much-needed foundation that can put to rest traditional worries about moral science. While mapping out the relevant areas of psychology and value-focused inquiry, the book lays out an interdisciplinary approach to many questions, including the problem of knowledge about character. Written for those researching virtue drawing on personality, developmental, moral, and positive psychology, as well as moral philosophy and character education, the book demonstrates the importance and applications of studying virtues empirically.
Reviews / Votes
'Despite the proliferation of virtue research within psychology, the field remains fragmented and lacking in engagement with philosophical and developmental theories. This book is a game-changer. Not only is it informed by philosophical virtue theory, it gives a plausible social-scientific account of virtue and its surrounding conceptual parish. Highly recommended.' Kristjan Kristjansson, University of Birmingham 'Can there be a science of virtue? Should there be a science of virtue? In this remarkable book, Fowers, Cokelet, and Leonhardt answer both questions with a resounding: 'yes!'. Then, they provide a detailed theoretical framework, full of testable hypotheses, to show us the way. The book is both rich and rigorous, and sophisticated enough philosophically to inspire confidence that the science of virtue will develop as a psychology-philosophy partnership. It is a major achievement.' Barry Schwartz, University of California, Berkeley, and co-author of Practical Wisdom: The Right Way to Do the Right Thing 'The Science of Virtue is a major contribution to the emerging literature on virtue measurement. Co-authored by psychologists and a philosopher, it showcases the richness of interdisciplinary collaboration. Of the many interesting discussions it offers, let me mention only four: the development of the STRIVE-4 model, insights on moral development and virtue, an analysis of personality and virtue, and a treatment of values in psychological science. Anyone interested in virtue and psychology will learn a great deal from reading this book.' Nancy Snow, University of KansasMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 152 mm
Width: 229 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
566 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-74798-1 (9781108747981)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Blaine J. Fowers | Bradford Cokelet | Nathan D. Leonhardt
The Science of Virtue
A Framework for Research
Book
02/2024
Cambridge University Press
€116.50
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Blaine J. Fowers is Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Miami, USA. He conducts theoretical and empirical investigations of virtue, practical wisdom, and flourishing. He has published five books, and over 100 articles and book chapters. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and a recipient of the Joseph B. Gittler Award.
Author
University of Miami
University of Kansas
University of Toronto
Content
Introduction: why study moral virtue; Part I. Philosophical Resources and Prospects: 1. Virtue theory; 2. A philosophically informed virtue science; Part II. Psychological Resources and Prospects: 3. Toward reconciling the fragmentation of virtue science; 4. The psychology of moral development and virtue; 5. Personality and virtue; 6. The place of values in virtue science; Part III. Organizing Virtue Research with the STRIVE-4 Model: 7. Virtues as scalar traits; 8. The role sensitivity of virtues; 9. Virtue trait by situation interactions; 10. Values and eudaimonia as guideposts for virtues; 11. The four components of virtue; Part IV. The Science and Practice of Virtue: 12. Virtue science and moral philosophy; 13. Virtue science and psychology.