Virtue What the heck is it? Used this powerpoint on day 2 of class (Tues/Wed) - started with front side of Virtue Handout for Sophomores (What is virtue? What does it mean to be a virtuous person? How do you become a virtuous person?)

What is virtue?

What is Virtue? A habitual and firm disposition to do the good, according to Thomas Aquinas But what does that mean?

Habitual: “habits” are formed from repeated action What is Virtue? Habitual: “habits” are formed from repeated action Firm: Deeply ingrained Disposition: Way of being Ordered toward the good (of self, others, and all things)

What does it mean to be a virtuous person?

What does it mean to be a virtuous person? Is virtue a one-time action? Will you one day suddenly become virtuous? Will it happen if you don’t want it to? How do you know when you are done cultivating virtue?

How do you become a virtuous person?

So how do you become a virtuous person? Practice!

“We are what we repeatedly do “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” - Aristotle Ended here with notes; reviewed disclosure and class procedures for rest of class period

Come Holy Spirit Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ our Lord, Amen. Started with this prayer - Thursday Week 1 (Day 3 of class)

What is virtue? Used Simone as an example of embodying virtue - practicing something so much it becomes automatic, a part of who you are (Watched video - asked them to consider not what she does, but how she does it) After this video and discussion, went over the 10 classroom examples of moments where virtue is needed - did first together, and had 90 seconds to find a partner and think of two-three examples for each scenario. Then switched parnters after every one. (WORKED REALLY WELL!)

Habits and Virtues In a 1-page essay, please think about your own habits in light of our discussion of virtue. Use the following questions to guide your writing: What habits do I have as a student? What habits do I have as a friend? As a classmate? As a family member? Which of these habits are ordered toward the good of myself, others, all things? Which are not? Please write your essays on a page of loose-leaf paper. Make sure your name, the assignment name, and the date are in the top right corner! We did not finish with the classroom examples in 2 of my 3 sophomore classes. It worked best to assign the essay right after finishing (also used it to get them to go on the website!), but I will assign it tomorrow for the classes that did not finish the examples in class.