Suffering and Virtue

Brady, M. S. (2018) Suffering and Virtue. Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK. ISBN 9780198812807 (doi: 10.1093/oso/9780198812807.001.0001)

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Abstract

Suffering, in one form or another, is present in all of our lives. But why do we suffer? On one reading, this is a question about the causes of physical and emotional suffering. But on another, it is a question about whether suffering has a point or purpose or value. In this ground-breaking book, Michael Brady argues that suffering is vital for the development of virtue, and hence for us to live happy or flourishing lives. After presenting a distinctive account of suffering, and a novel account of its core element, unpleasantness, Brady proceeds to focus on three claims that are central to his picture. The first is that forms of suffering, like pain and remorse, can themselves constitute virtuous responses. The second is that suffering is essential for four important classes of virtue - virtues of strength, such as fortitude and courage; virtues of vulnerability, such as adaptability and humility; moral virtues, such as compassion; and the practical and epistemic excellences that make up wisdom. His final claim third is that suffering is vital for the social virtues of justice, love, and trust, and hence for the flourishing of social groups.

Item Type:Books
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brady, Professor Michael
Authors: Brady, M. S.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Philosophy
Publisher:Oxford University Press
ISBN:9780198812807
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
621831The value of suffering: An Interdisciplinary Investigation of the Nature, Meaning, and Role of Affective ExperienceDavid BainJohn Templeton Foundation (TEMPLFOU)44167HU - PHILOSOPHY