Does Virtue Extend Beyond Monetary Value in Modern Society?

[coberst]

What is the Virtue of ‘Virtue’?

I was listening to NPR and the speaker said something to the effect ‘let the market decide the value of our higher education system…and the market appears to think that our higher education system is doing a fine job’. Who or what determines values in our society?

“There is a tendency to use the term ‘virtue’ in an abstract “moralistic” sense—a way that makes it almost Pharisaic in character.”--John Dewey My first thought after reading this and ‘looking up’ the word ‘Pharisaic’ (self-righteous) turns to William Bennett, gambler, ideologue, czar, and author of “The Book of Virtues”.

John Dewey wrote the above quote about virtue in his book “Ethics”. He further identifies the concept ‘virtue’ to mean a talent turned toward enhancing social values. Dewey says “every natural capacity, every talent or ability, whether of inquiring mind, of gentle affection, or of executive skill, becomes a virtue when it is turned to account in supporting or extending the fabric of social values.”

When I read recently that Warren Buffet had given thirty billion dollars to the Gates charitable foundation I thought immediately of Dewey’s conception of the word ‘virtue’. I remembered having discussed Dewey’s concept of virtue in a Great Books Discussion Group decades ago.

Warren Buffet and Bill Gates have manifested for us the Dewey concept of virtue. Two individuals who have used their respective talents to make scads of money have then turned that money into a virtue by placing that wealth toward “extending the fabric of social values”.

I will include George Soros with Buffet and Gates. Soros, philosopher/tycoon in my judgment, started many decades ago The Open Society Foundation. This foundation began in 1979 when Soros’ foundation provided scholarships to African students for their enrolment to the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Money is not the metric of value here but is a medium for converting the unique and wonderful talents of these three men into a virtue. I never before thought of these men as being exemplars of virtue but I certainly do now.

Is it wise to allow the market to set the standard of value for our colleges and universities?

It seems to me that the only value the market knows is ‘cash value’.

Does there exist in our society any other means for determining the value of anything? Is the market our ‘default’ position for determining value for most everything?

 

[granpa]

in other words, the best things in life are free?

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I appreciate the thought-provoking nature of this question. The concept of virtue has been debated and defined by philosophers for centuries, and it is interesting to see how it is viewed in our modern society.

Firstly, I believe it is important to clarify that virtue is not simply a moralistic term, as Dewey mentions. It goes beyond being self-righteous or following a set of rules. Virtue, as Dewey defines it, is the cultivation and use of our natural talents and abilities towards enhancing social values. In other words, it is a way of contributing positively to society and making a meaningful impact.

In the case of Buffet, Gates, and Soros, their immense wealth is not what makes them virtuous. It is their use of that wealth towards philanthropic efforts and social causes that exemplifies virtue. They have used their talents and resources to make a positive impact and contribute to the betterment of society. This is a prime example of how virtue can be manifested in our modern world, and it goes beyond just monetary value.

As for the market determining the value of higher education, I believe it is important to consider multiple factors. While the market may see higher education as a valuable commodity, it is also important to consider the societal benefits of having an educated population. Higher education not only provides individuals with knowledge and skills, but it also contributes to the progress and advancement of society as a whole. Therefore, I believe a balance must be struck between market value and societal value when determining the worth of higher education.

In conclusion, while the market may play a role in determining certain values in our society, it is not the only determining factor. Virtue, as defined by Dewey, goes beyond monetary value and encompasses the use of our talents and resources towards enhancing social values. It is important to recognize and appreciate individuals who exemplify virtue in our society, and to also consider societal values when making decisions.