Which Beliefs Contribute to Virtuous Behavior?
Which beliefs contribute to virtuous behavior? In other words, which beliefs can we form to make it more likely that we act virtuously in the future - more honestly, more compassionately, more courageously, more humbly, and the like? In this brief essay, I will propose four different answers, but I want to stress that these are not the only ones that could be given. I have included them only because these answers repeatedly show up in my own reading of research in psychology and philosophy.
First we should note that our question is asking specifically about beliefs. Beliefs are not the only mental states worth mentioning - desires and emotions are also incredibly important to virtuous behavior (but will have to wait for another essay). Just having a belief - say that I ought to stop gossiping or that it would be good for me to donate to charity - can leave me indifferent to actually behaving in that way if I do not also care about these things. So to become virtuous people we need to form appropriate beliefs as well as cultivate the right desires and emotions, as both of these components play a central role.
First Answer - Beliefs about People’s Virtue. Having good role models in our lives who we admire because of their moral behavior or character can make a huge difference. These role models can lead us to form beliefs such as:
Mother Teresa is someone I really admire.
My grandmother is very courageous.
If he can stand up to injustice, then so can I.
Why would these beliefs make such a difference? Because of their connection to powerful emotional responses. For instance, the University of Virginia psychologist Jonathan Haidt has done research on what he calls the emotion of “elevation.” This is what we feel when we see another person do something particularly virtuous or morally admirable. Just think back to a time when you were feeling uplifted and inspired by someone’s bravery or loyalty or charity - perhaps your heart was moved, inspiring you to similar acts in your own life.