Political Philosophy: Liberty and Rights
8. Liberty and Virtue
James R. Otteson is Joint Professor of Philosophy and Economics at Yeshiva University. He specializes in the history of modern philosophy, political philosophy, and the history and philosophy of economics.
Does a free society encourage immoral behavior? Prof. James Otteson of Yeshiva University argues that moral or virtuous behavior can grow only in a climate of individual liberty. The decisions individuals make can be called virtuous only if they are made freely, without compulsion by someone else. Individuals will make mistakes and may sometimes act viciously, but they can only develop good judgment about moral matters by practicing and making some mistakes, which will happen only in a free society.
- Liberty and Virtue: Invaluable and Inseparable [Article]: Doug Bandow holds that it is a mistake to assume either liberty or virtue must be sacrificed for the other.
- Virtue versus Legal Obligation [Article]: Sheldon Richman makes the point that forced generosity is no longer generosity.
- Bourgeois Virtues? [Article]: Deirdre McCloskey argues that a market system encourages certain kinds of virtues.
- Freedom and Virtue [Article]: Leonard P. Liggio reviews the collected volume Freedom and Virtue and affirms that the distinction between the two concepts is fallacious.
Use these questions to enhance your understanding of the topic. We recommend watching the featured video first; the suggested resources will also help.
- Login or register to post comments
- Back to Top