What is an essential component of virtue according to the practice of Virtue Ethics?

The identification of right desire as an essential component of virtue in Virtue Ethics highlights the importance of inner motivations and intentions in ethical behavior. In this philosophical framework, virtues are seen as traits that enable individuals to live a good life and fulfill their potential. Right desires reflect a harmonious alignment of one's wants and needs with moral values and societal well-being.

When individuals possess right desires, they are motivated to act in ways that promote not only their own flourishing but also that of others. This connection between virtue and desire underlines the notion that ethical actions should stem from a genuine commitment to good rather than mere obligation or conformity. A well-developed character, guided by right desires, results in actions that embody virtues such as kindness, honesty, and integrity.

This emphasis on intrinsic motivations differentiates it from other concepts such as selfishness, which focuses on self-interest, ambition, which may prioritize personal goals over collective well-being, and conformity, which can lead to actions that lack true moral grounding if they are simply followed to fit in. By focusing on right desires, Virtue Ethics promotes a more profound understanding of ethical living that encompasses personal growth and a commitment to the greater good.