Question 1: Virtues versus Values by Wills
Willis in his study compares and contrasts between values and virtues in the American society. In his thesis he argues that the American problems are as a result of politicians encouraging values at the expense of virtues. While the word virtue as a noun means moral goodness of character and behaviour while value on the other hand describes one’s idea of what is right or wrong, or what is important in life. Since values are mere choices they can differ from one person to another as they keep on changing depending on the perception of a particular group of people. This means different people can have different values and yet they are considered to be right even though they may differ. Willis further stated that virtues are more difficult to develop and are not accessible to all people. It is possible to compare one’s value to those of other people but it is difficult for one to compare virtues of different people. It is easy for people to be judgemental on other people’s values as opposed to their virtues. In his study he also argued that as people are free to choose the kind of values they want to have and those they don’t, it eventually leads to moral decay of the American society. He supports this argument from the founders of American nation who were more concerned about virtues in the entire American society which led to its tremendous economic and social growth. These virtues are today replaced by values by the current crop of politicians to achieve their selfish goals, leading to the moral decay of the American society. He further argues that higher education will help in pulling up the virtues required in eliminating most of the problems that hails in the American society. Getting the right higher education which imparts the required virtues will help in addressing these problems. The right thinking of the people and the eventual replacement of values with virtues is key in addressing some of the problems in the society.
