VIRTUES AS PROPERLY MOTIVATED, SELF-INTEGRATED TRAITS

Blaine J. Fowers, Ph.D.Bradford Cokelet, Ph.D.University of Miami

Jean-Philippe Laurenceau, Ph.D.University of Delaware

Innovative Aspects

Project Concept and Design1. It deploys a new

theoretical/conceptual model for virtue

2. It deploys cutting edge design methods to measure virtue

Larger Interdisciplinary Goal3. Re-frame debates about virtue

being a psychologically realistic goal

(1) New theoretical/conceptual model for virtue

Degrees not Minimal Conditions We should measure degrees of virtue

Motivation Matters The virtue/continence distinction is

important

Virtue as Self-expression Full virtue embodies the core

commitments of the self

Innovative Aspects

Project Concept and Design1. It deploys a new

theoretical/conceptual model for virtue

2. It deploys cutting edge design methods to measure virtue

Larger Interdisciplinary Goal3. Re-frame debates about virtue

being a psychologically realistic goal

(3) Is virtue a psychologically realistic goal?

Doris and Miller: People today lack traits necessary for virtue

MacIntyre: Compartmentalization causes lack of virtue Compartmentalization impedes

reflection on core commitments and their embodiment

Reflection is necessary for development of full virtue

Virtue Congruent Research Design

1. Assess behaviors Fairness Kindness

2. Intensive Longitudinal Design Experience Sampling 4 assessments daily for 14 days Density distribution model

Density Distribution Model

Virtue Congruent Research Design, cont.

3. Motivation assessment Goal Type of motivation Felt motivation

4. Self-integration assessment Self-congruence Self-expression

Virtue Congruent Research Design, cont.

5. Situational factors Social setting Social relationships

6. Narrative interview Purposive selection Fairness and kindness Narrative self-integration Deepen quantitative results

MultiLevel Modeling

Individual

PublicSetting

VirtuousBehavior

VirtuousMotivation

VirtuousSelf

Private Setting

VirtuousBehavior

VirtuousMotivation

VirtuousSelf

Multilevel Modeling, cont. Focus on individual variability Correlations of behavior, motivation,

and self-congruence

Challenges

Sampling beyond undergraduates Survey company Smartphones

Scale construction Within-person data Social desirability Pilot study

Challenges, cont.

Interdisciplinary Research Questions Scope