A virtude na psicologia positiva

Abstract

This present work of theoretical psychology is a critical study of the concept of virtue in Positive Psychology. Defined as a movement by some and as a new field by other, Positive Psychology brings together under " umbrella " several studies, past and present, from various areas of psychology, such as Personality Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychology Development and Moral Psychology. In the present work, it is understood as a perspective and movement within psychology, institutionalized from the late twentieth century, the main promoter former president of the APA (American Psychological Association ), Martin Seligman. Positive Psychology declared interest three pillars: the study of positive subjective experiences, the study of positive traits and the study of positive institutions. With regard to the study of positive individual traits are found two major classifications: the virtues, strength of character and situational themes and talents and strengths . In this context, the concern of Positive Psychology turns into a theme previously restricted mainly Ethics : the study of good character . This work shall turn mainly to the critical study of the virtues and strength of character in the theory of Positive Psychology. First an investigation of the philosophical treatment of the concept of virtue was performed, searching to delimit the main conceptions about this. We identified four main theses which are not mutually exclusive , but individuals are represented: virtue as excellence, virtue as a habit, virtue as strength and virtue in moral sentimentalism. A proposal was also presented the light of Personalism of Dietrich von Hildebrand, showing a relationship between virtue and attitude. Then took place a description of the study of the virtues and strengths of character in Positive Psychology. The review concludes four things: The first relates to a difficulty in defining virtue by Positive Psychology. This may have its origin in the delimitation of the research conducted by the same , worrying with lists of virtues rather than delve more critically the different conceptions of virtue. The second is that the definition of strength of character is much closer to the philosophical definitions of virtue, especially the Aristotelian definition - this fact becomes clear when we present the criteria for defining a positive trait is a strength of character - while the definition virtue is much closer to the design value. The third concerns a clarification in respect of the strengths of nature with these virtues within the theory. The studies do not make clear how certain strengths correlate with particular virtue. The fourth is the relationship between virtue, personality traits and attitude, although the Positive Psychology states that forces are positive character traits, it is believed that a better design would be the same as attitudes from the perspective of social psychology. Finally, we conclude also pointing out the merits of Positive Psychology to remind the importance of studying psychology and character development from a perspective of Classical Ethics , Philosophy and Psychology deepening relationship.