importance to virtue?

Question

can i have.. ?
-the definition of Virtue
-the importance of Virtue

Answer 1

"Virtue (Latin virtus; Greek ἀρετή) is the moral excellence of a person." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue) The concept has meaning in the context of a certain code of moral values. Even if it's old, I think this concept can still be used to explain a good deal of social phenomena.

Every society has a code of moral values that ensures its existence and good functioning. Consequently, "virtue" (following the moral code) is important to preserve social order. Ancient societies (Greek, Roman, etc) had their sets of virtues, but modern societies also have their sets (even if they no longer call them "virtues", but "civic duties", guidelines of good social behavior, etc).

For those who believe in a transcendental (religious) code of values, being "virtuous" is also important to ensure personal salvation.

Answer 2

its a mode of life which is the only proper to follow. it was more important in ancient greek philosophy. now it revives with Oldfield and other republicans of citizenship theory in modern anglosaxon political philosophy