TEACHING MORAL CHARACTER

The concept of moral character, as the expression is used here, is concerned with the ability to see the ethical action through to completion. The emphasis is not on disposition or inclination to act ethically, as that has been the focus of the discussion of moral motivation. However, the fact that the word ‘character’ can mean either general disposition for action, or the ability to see a course of action through, is an indication of how close these two aspects of a person are.

Someone who lacks character might be described as irresolute, or ineffectual, or weak, or cowardly. There is a close relationship between confidence in one's goals and moral character. The more salient the goal is to the actor the less salient is the risk of something going wrong. The more one contemplates the risks of action the less likely one is to act. Contemplation of danger can make one irresolute or cowardly. The more clearly one is sure about what to do, the more likely one is to act. Confidence in purpose allows one to act resolutely.

Clearly, if one is sure of one's priorities, if one is wholehearted and committed to one's relevant life projects, then it is more likely that one will act effectively. Moral motivation is likely to lead to moral character. Indeed Colby and Damon found this to be true of their moral exemplars. As a group these people were notably confident, and not overly distressed by the thought of risk: