Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification

by Christopher Peterson, Martin E. P. Seligman

Overview

"Character" has become a front-and-center topic in contemporary discourse, but this term does not have a fixed meaning. Character may be simply defined by what someone does not do, but a more active and thorough definition is necessary, one that addresses certain vital questions. Is character a singular characteristic of an individual, or is it composed of different aspects? Does character--however we define it--exist in degrees, or is it simply something one happens to have? How can character be developed? Can it be learned? Relatedly, can it be taught, and who might be the most effective teacher? What roles are played by family, schools, the media, religion, and the larger culture? This groundbreaking handbook of character strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers who have undertaken the systematic classification and measurement of widely valued positive traits. They approach good character in terms of separate strengths-authenticity, persistence, kindness, gratitude, hope, humor, and so on-each of which exists in degrees. Character Strengths and Virtues classifies twenty-four specific strengths under six broad virtues that consistently emerge across history and culture: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Each strength is thoroughly examined in its own chapter, with special attention to its meaning, explanation, measurement, causes, correlates, consequences, and development across the life span, as well as to strategies for its deliberate cultivation. This book demands the attention of anyone interested in psychology and what it can teach about the good life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199883240
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/08/2004
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	966,400
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

University of Michigan

University of Pennsylvania

Table of Contents

	Contributors	xiii
Section I	Background
1	Introduction to a "Manual of the Sanities"	3
2	Universal Virtues?--Lessons From History	33
3	Previous Classifications of Character Strengths	53
Section II	Strengths of Character
	Strengths of Wisdom and Knowledge
	Introduction	93
4	Creativity [Originality, Ingenuity]	109
5	Curiosity [Interest, Novelty-Seeking, Openness to Experience]	125
6	Open-Mindedness [Judgment, Critical Thinking]	143
7	Love of Learning	161
8	Perspective [Wisdom]	181
	Strengths of Courage
	Introduction	197
9	Bravery [Valor]	213
10	Persistence [Perseverance, Industriousness]	229
11	Integrity [Authenticity, Honesty]	249
12	Vitality [Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, Energy]	273
	Strengths of Humanity
	Introduction	291
13	Love	303
14	Kindness [Generosity, Nurturance, Care, Compassion, Altruistic Love, "Niceness"]	325
15	Social Intelligence [Emotional Intelligence, Personal Intelligence]	337
	Strengths of Justice
	Introduction	355
16	Citizenship [Social Responsibility, Loyalty, Teamwork]	369
17	Fairness	391
18	Leadership	413
	Strengths of Temperance
	Introduction	429
19	Forgiveness and Mercy	445
20	Humility and Modesty	461
21	Prudence	477
22	Self-Regulation [Self-Control]	499
	Strengths of Transcendence
	Introduction	517
23	Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence [Awe, Wonder, Elevation]	537
24	Gratitude	553
25	Hope [Optimism, Future-Mindedness, Future Orientation]	569
26	Humor [Playfulness]	583
27	Spirituality [Religiousness, Faith, Purpose]	599
Section III	Conclusions
28	Assessment and Applications	625
	References	645
	Index of Names	763
	Subject Index	789

Editorial Reviews

"Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above, especially those interested in positive psychology." —Choice

"Peterson and Seligman's Character Strengths and Virtues adds a needed balance to the psychological literature. Topics such as character and virtue have too long been only in the domains of moral philosophy and politics. This work provides a needed psychological foundation for studying some of the attributes that are most important to a world that is foundering on the shoals of wars, terrorism, and atrocities. I recommend the book very highly."-Robert J. Sternberg, IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Yale University; Director, Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise (PACE Center), Yale University; Past President, American Psychological Association

"Peterson and Seligman's endeavor to focus on human strengths and virtues is one of the most important initiatives in psychology of the past half century. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to make a small contribution to this paradigm-changing effort."-Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Education and Cognition, Harvard Graduate School of Education

"The book helps, in other words, with a coherent conversation about human qualities or character. Perhaps it can ultimately help people to remain 'attached to their values' as well."—Family Medicine

From the Publisher