Civic Virtue Theory

A Civic Virtue Theory is a political virtue theory that identifies character traits and social dispositions necessary for republican self-governance.

• AKA: Republican Virtue Theory, Citizen Virtue Theory, Public Virtue Theory, Political Virtue Ethics.
• Context:
  • It can typically prioritize Common Good over private interests.
  • It can typically require Active Citizenship in public affairs.
  • It can typically cultivate Political Judgment for collective decisions.
  • It can often emphasize Patriotic Duty to communities.
  • It can often demand Corruption Resistance from citizens.
  • It can often promote Deliberative Skills for democratic discourse.
  • It can range from being a Classical Civic Virtue Theory to being a Modern Civic Virtue Theory, depending on its historical origin.
  • It can range from being a Martial Civic Virtue Theory to being a Commercial Civic Virtue Theory, depending on its virtue emphasis.
  • It can range from being an Elite Civic Virtue Theory to being a Democratic Civic Virtue Theory, depending on its social scope.
  • It can range from being a Demanding Civic Virtue Theory to being a Minimal Civic Virtue Theory, depending on its citizen expectations.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Classical Civic Virtue Traditions, such as:
    • Aristotelian Civic Virtue emphasizing political participation.
    • Roman Republican Virtues including gravitas and pietas.
    • Machiavellian Virtù balancing force and prudence.
  • Enlightenment Civic Virtue Concepts, such as:
    • Montesquieu's Political Virtue supporting republican government.
    • Rousseau's Citizen Virtue identifying with general will.
    • American Founder Virtues combining classical and christian ethics.
  • Contemporary Civic Virtue Applications, such as:
    • Environmental Citizenship practicing sustainable behaviors.
    • Digital Civic Virtue engaging online democracy.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Private Vice Theory, which sees public benefits from selfish actions.
  • Liberal Neutrality Theory, which avoids virtue promotion.
  • Technocratic Governance Theory, which replaces virtue with expertise.
• See: Virtue Ethics, Republican Political Theory, Civic Republicanism, Political Philosophy, Citizenship Theory, Democratic Participation, Political Education, Common Good Theory, Corruption Theory.

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