Lesson 2: The Development of Moral Character of the Moral Agent

What is Moral Character?

Moral character is an evaluation of an individual’s stable moral qualities. The concept of

character can imply a variety of attributes including the existence or lack of virtues such as empathy,
courage, fortitude, honesty and loyalty, or of good behaviors or habits. Moral character primarily refers
to the assemblage of qualities that distinguish one individual from another – although on a cultural level,
the set of moral behaviors to which a social group adheres can be said to unite and define it culturally as
distinct from others. Psychologist Lawrence Pervin defines moral character as “a disposition to express
behavior in consistent patterns of functions across a range of situations”.

A moral character is defined as an idea in which one is unique and can be distinguished from
others. Perhaps in can assemble qualities and traits that are different from various individuals. It implies
to how individuals act, or how they express themselves. In another words, it is “human excellence”, or
unique thoughts of a character. When the concept of virtue is spoken, this would emphasize the
distinctiveness or specialty, but it all involves the combination of qualities that make an individual the
way he or she is. Based on this definition, the insight of a moral character can be viewed differently.
Although these philosophers diverge with their arguments, they in some sense have similarities. These
similarities will show how the matter of a character is important and crucial to the human nature.

Importance of Having a Strong Moral Character

When you have strong moral character, you’ll be judged by who you are rather than who you
pretend to be. Below are some of the consequences of having a strong moral character:

1. Achieve peace of mind. People with character sleep well at night. They take great pride in
knowing that their intensions and actions are honourable. People with character also stay true
to their beliefs, do right by others, and always take the high ground.
2. Strengthen trust. People with character enjoy meaningful relationships based on openness,
honesty and mutual respect. When you have good moral character, people know that your
behavior is reliable, your heart is in the right place, and your word is good as gold.
3. Build a solid reputation. People with character command a rock-solid reputation. This helps
them attract exciting opportunities “like magnet”.
4. Reduce anxiety. People with character carry less baggage. They’re comfortable within their own
skin, and they accept responsibility for their actions. They never have to play games, waste
precious time keeping their stories straight, or invent excuses to cover their behind.
5. Increase leadership effectiveness. Leaders with character are highly effective. They have no
need to pull rank or resort to command and control to get results. Instead, they’re effective
because they’re knowledgeable, admired, trusted, and respected. This helps them secure buy-in
automatically, without requiring egregious rules or strong oversight designed to force
compliance.
 6. Build confidence. People with character don’t worry about embarrassment if their actions are
publicly disclosed. This alleviates the need for damage control or the fear of potential disgrace
as a result of indiscretions.
7. Become a positive role model. People with character set the standard for excellence. They live
their life as an open book, teaching others important life lessons through their words and their
deeds.
8. Live a purpose-driven life. People with character live a life they can be proud of. They’re driven
to make a difference and to do right by others rather than trying to impress others with
extravagance.
9. Build a strong business. Doing the right thing is good business. Everything else being equal,
talented people would rather work for – and customers would rather buy from – companies
that do right by their people, customers and communities. While unprincipled business tactics
may provide short-term results, it’s NOT a long-term strategy.

Development of Moral Character

If you believe developing your character is an endeavour you want to pursue, here are
some steps to show you how:

1. Define your core values - Know what is most important to you by determining your values for
your professional and personal life. These are the principles that are the foundation for your
priorities, choices, actions, and behaviors.
2. Practice the habits - Pick one or two of the traits of good character to practice for several
weeks. Write down the actions you want to take or the behviors you define that reflects this
trait, and implement them in your daily life and interactions. Wear a rubber band on your wrist
or create other reminders to help you practice.
3. Find people with character - Surround yourself with people who reflect the character traits you
want to embrace. They will inspire and motivate you to build these traits in yourself. Try to
avoid people who have a weak character and make bad decisions.
4. Take some risks – Start taking small actions toward a goal or value that involve some level of
risk. When you face the possibility of failure and challenge yourself toward success, you become
mentally and emotionally stronger and more committed to your principles.
5. Stretch yourself – Create high standards and big goals for yourself. Expect the best of yourself
and constantly work toward that, even though you will have setbacks and occasional failures.
Every stretch builds your confidence and knowledge that your character is getting stronger.
6. Commit to self-improvement – Realize that building your character is a life-long endeavor. It is
something that is practiced both in the minutiae and the defining moments of your life. There
will be times you step up to the character traits you embrace and other times you falter. By
remaining committed to personal growth and learning about yourself, your character will
naturally improve, even though the failures.
Some Good Character Traits to Practice

1. Attract the trust and respect of other people.

2. Allows you to influence others.
3. Changes your perspective about failure.
4. Sustains you through difficult times or opposition.
5. Improves your self-esteem, self-respect and confidence.
6. Creates a foundation for happy, healthy relationship.
7. Helps you stay committed to your values and goals.
8. Improves your chance of success in work and other endeavors.

Character Traits that Impact One’s Happiness

Good character consists of defining your values and integrity based on time-tested principles
and self-reflection and having the courage to live your life accordingly.

1. Integrity – Integrity is having strong moral principles and core values and then conducting your
life with those as your guide. When you have integrity, you main your adherence to it whether
or not other people are watching.
2. Honesty – Honesty is more than telling the truth. It’s living the truth. It is being straightforward
and trustworthy in all of your interactions, relationships, and thoughts. Being honest requires
self-honesty and authenticity.
3. Loyalty – Loyalty is faithfulness and devotion to your loved ones, your friends, and anyone with
whom you have a trusted relationship. Loyalty can also extend to your employer, the
organizations you belong to, your community and your country.
4. Respectfulnes – You treat yourself and others with courtesy, kindness, deference, dignity and
civility. You offer basic respect as a sign of your value for the worth of all people and your ability
to accept the inherent flaws we all possess.
5. Responsibility – You accept personal, relational, career, community and societal obligations
even when they are difficult or uncomfortable. You follow through on commitments and
proactively create or accept accountability for your behavior and choices.
6. Humility – You have a confident yet modest opinion of your own self-importance. You don’t see
yourself as “too good” for other people or situations. You have a learning and growth mindset
and the desire to express and experience gratitude for what you have, rather than expecting you
deserve more.
7. Compassion – You feel deep sympathy and pity for the suffering and misfortune of others, and
you have a desire to do something to alleviate their suffering.
8. Fairness – Using discernment, compassion and integrity, you strive to make decisions and take
actions based on what you consider the ultimate best course or outcome for all involved.
9. Forgiveness – You make conscious, intentional decisions to let go of resentment and anger
toward someone for an offense – whether or not forgiveness is sought by the offender.
 Forgiveness may or may not include pardoning, restoration or reconciliation. It extends both to
others and to one’s self.
10. Authenticity – You are able to be your real and true self, without pretension, posturing or
insincerity. You are capable of showing appropriate vulnerability and self-awareness.
11. Courageousness – Inspite of fear danger, discomfort, or pain, you have the mental fortitude to
carry on with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is the right or best course of action.
12. Generosity – You are willing to offer your time, energy, efforts, emotions, words, or assets
without the expectation of something in return. You offer these freely and often joyously.
13. Perseverance – Perseverance is the steadfast persistence and determination to continue on
with a course of action, belief or purpose, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable in order to reach
a higher goal or outcome.
14. Politeness – You are knowledgeable of basic good manners, common courtesies and etiquette,
and are willing to apply those to all people you encounter. You desire to learn the skills of
politeness in order to enhance your relationships and self-esteem.
15. Kindness – Kindness is an attitude of being considerate, helpful and benevolent to others. It is
motivated by a positive disposition and the desire for warm and pleasant interactions.
16. Lovingness – The ability to be loving toward those you love means showing them through your
words, actions, and expressions how deeply you care about them. It includes the willingness to
be open and vulnerable.
17. Optimism – Optimism is a sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future. It involves a
positive mental attitude in which you interpret life events, people and situations in a promising
light.
18. Reliability – You can be consistently depended upon to follow on your commitments, actions,
and decisions. You do what you say you will do.
19. Conscientiousness – You have the desire to do things well or to the best of your ability. You are
thorough, careful, efficient, organized and vigilant in your efforts, based on your own principles
or sense of what is right.
20. Self-discipline – You are able, through good habits or willpower, to overcome your desires or
feelings in order to follow the best course of action or to rise to your commitments or principles.
You are able, through good habits or willpower, to overcome your desires or feelings in order to
follow the best course of action or to rise to your commitments or principles. You have a strong
sense of self-control in order to reach a desired goal.