character?

Question

Can it be taught or are you born with it?

Answer 1

I assume you mean the integrity kind of character and not the "geez, he's a real character!" type. If you're speaking in scientific terms, in biology, a trait or character is a feature of an organism, so absent genetic manipulation, you're born with it.

But in philosophy, moral character is a trickier thing to pin down. There's an excellent discussion of this topic at Stanford's Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Aristotle's book Nicomachean Ethics describes two different kinds of human excellences, excellences of thought and excellences of character. His phrase for excellences of character -- êthikai aretai -- we usually translate as "moral virtue(s)" or "moral excellence(s)." The emphasis is not on individuality, but on the qualities that make an individual the sort of ethically admirable person he or she is.

I believe to some extent we are born with a certain level of moral character. Certainly it is true that some unfortunates are psychopaths, bereft of moral compasses. It's been my experience that some children have a greater sensitivity, act more ethically naturally than others. But they CAN be taught to consider the consequences of their actions and behave differently than their initial inclination might direct them. You can teach someone it is not acceptable to lie or steal or cheat.

Answer 2

Character is developed. We are all born with a clean slate. We all have the capacity of great good or evil. Depending on the influences that we have been exposed to in our lives.

I believe that if we show our children how to be good and reinforce that by example, they will learn how to behave with character. Unfortunately, life isn't that simple. Because, life is full of other influences that "teach" us how to behave as human beings. Television, radio, "friends" and such all have an affect on our upbringing.

So, to sum it up. Yes, character can be taught. However, it is still upto the individual to choose to act with character. Temptation is around us all the time.

It is important to realize though, everyday we are given a new opportunity to choose to behave with character or not. So, even if we fail, which we will at times, it is important to never stop trying to better ourselves.

Answer 3

Depends on your definition of character. Every one has character some are just weak or unpleasant while others are upstanding. Its the age old question of nature or nurture. I personally believe its a combination of the two.

Answer 4

Your character is the sum total of all your life experiences factored in with your willingness to grow and learn from those experiences

Answer 5

a little of both....u can be born eith it and have a natral outgoing personallity or you can learn from parent, frieds, or other infuences