You make an excellent point about Jesus’ warning in the Sermon on the Mount. I’d add that while both Jesus and Aristotle critique superficial displays of virtue, they do so from different perspectives. Jesus emphasizes sincerity before God, cautioning against hypocrisy and encouraging moral behaviour with an eye toward divine law and eschatological reward. It’s deeply meaningful in the context of faith but perhaps less concerned with the practical, step-by-step cultivation of virtue through rational deliberation.
Aristotle, by contrast, focuses on how we develop virtue in our daily lives through habitual practice and rational reflection, aiming for eudaimonia—flourishing in this life. His ethics are more concerned with how we build moral character here and now, not just for the sake of appearances but as part of a reasoned process toward a good life.
So while both Jesus and Aristotle address the issue of superficial virtue, their ultimate aims differ: Jesus looks toward eternal life, while Aristotle’s framework is more grounded in ethical flourishing in the present. I think there’s a lot of interesting overlap, but, for me, their teleologies—what they see as the end goal of virtuous living—are clearly distinct.
Appreciate this article very much. I think you nailed the tragedy part. Particularly when you mentioned how the virtue signalers being to believe in their own virtue. There is virtually nothing more dangerous to moral development than self-deception.
In the Sermon of the Mount, Christ warned us against people who publicly displays their virtues.
You make an excellent point about Jesus’ warning in the Sermon on the Mount. I’d add that while both Jesus and Aristotle critique superficial displays of virtue, they do so from different perspectives. Jesus emphasizes sincerity before God, cautioning against hypocrisy and encouraging moral behaviour with an eye toward divine law and eschatological reward. It’s deeply meaningful in the context of faith but perhaps less concerned with the practical, step-by-step cultivation of virtue through rational deliberation.
Aristotle, by contrast, focuses on how we develop virtue in our daily lives through habitual practice and rational reflection, aiming for eudaimonia—flourishing in this life. His ethics are more concerned with how we build moral character here and now, not just for the sake of appearances but as part of a reasoned process toward a good life.
So while both Jesus and Aristotle address the issue of superficial virtue, their ultimate aims differ: Jesus looks toward eternal life, while Aristotle’s framework is more grounded in ethical flourishing in the present. I think there’s a lot of interesting overlap, but, for me, their teleologies—what they see as the end goal of virtuous living—are clearly distinct.
Very good point. Thank you.
Appreciate this article very much. I think you nailed the tragedy part. Particularly when you mentioned how the virtue signalers being to believe in their own virtue. There is virtually nothing more dangerous to moral development than self-deception.
I'm glad you enjoyed reading the article.