Virtue in the Republican Tradition

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this chapter is to survey civic virtue’s historical trajectory within republican political thought, as well as its comparatively reduced but still important role in contemporary republicanism. It begins by asking three broad questions: what characterizes civic virtue? what is the purpose of civic virtue? and how is civic virtue cultivated? From there, the chapter examines the central concerns of civic virtue in the historical tradition, considering the nature and function of civic virtue for three key thinkers: Aristotle, Cicero, and Machiavelli. It then turns to consider the role of virtue in contemporary republicanism, focusing on the work of historian Quentin Skinner and philosopher Philip Pettit. Section 4 outlines the criticisms that have been levelled at civic virtue.