Interpreting Anselm of Canterbury as a Virtue Ethicist

The Saint Anselm Journal 14 (2):97-116 (2019)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

What sort of moral theory should we view Saint Anselm of Canterbury as holding and using in his writings? In this paper, I argue that Anselm is best understood as a virtue ethicist. In the first part of the paper, I consider whether his approach could be understood in terms of deontological or natural law theories. In the second, I make a case for Anselm being a virtue ethicist. In the third part, I focus on this theme as found in treatises published during Anselm’s lifetime. In the fourth, I look at other texts within the Anselmian corpus, notably the De humanibus moribus and the Dicta Anselmi. In the fifth and sixth parts, I turn to Anselm’s letters, focusing first on general discussions, and then on discussions focused upon specific virtues and vices.

Author's Profile

Gregory Sadler
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

Analytics

Added to PP
2023-05-23

Downloads
404 (#54,809)

6 months
144 (#26,940)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?