Campus Theme 2012-2013

The Virtue of Discontent

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 • 7 pm • Meese Conference Room, Hannon Library

Though many would question the worth of seemingly negative attitudes such as “discontent,” I argue that our ability to identify and utilize discontent as a moral emotion and attitude is central to our ability—both at the individual and community level—to promote the good, and achieve the conditions for a flourishing, happy, life. In this presentation, I engage with the intellectual and political history of “discontent” in the Western tradition, I consider its meaning as a concept, as well as its value and its place along a path towards happiness. Finally, drawing on contemporary work in virtue ethics and moral psychology, I conclude that “discontent” is not only a valuable attitude in identifying crucial opportunities for progress and improvement, but
that it is further an essential element of a healthy and positive social world. Presenter: Devora Shapiro, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Southern Oregon University