Reddit mentions of Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification

>A moral act is a virtuous act.

>Action X allows you and/or others to 'flourish.'

>'Flourishing' is a virtue.

On virtue ethics, flourishing is the prime end (τέλος), and is not itself considered a virtue. Firstly, a recap on the basic argument Aristotle introduced at the start of his Ethics: Most objectives are aimed at because we want something else that is achieved by them; they help constitute toward the fulfilment of other objectives. Thus, we have series of objectives that are linked to each other by the reason we aim for them. Every series has an end that takes precedence over all others below it on that series, that is aimed at for no reason but itself. This is what Aristotle referred to as the chief good, because it is that which we desire for its own sake. Thus it was argued that eudaimonia (flourishing) was the highest human good, as no one attempts to live well for the sake of some further end, and all other aims are pursued because they are thought to be conducive to flourishing. It was on this basis he constructed his ethical theory, which focused on excellences of character and the achievement of life success (eu zén, or to “live well”).

Now, flourishing itself is not classed as a virtue, but it is what virtue is based upon. There's a myriad of ways to define virtue, but with the exception of some religions and perhaps the Stoics, every account of virtue I've come across has at least two main properties: (1) a trait-like pattern of character that is stable over time, and (2) is conducive to flourishing (that is, having this characteristic will increase the overall probability that one will flourish).

So, flourishing is the end itself, and virtues are characteristics that contribute to that end.

>My question is how the claim "a moral act is a virtuous act" is justified and how does it convey moral force?

It may help to define moral then. Broadly speaking, we can say morality is a system of principles and other concepts regarding what people ought to do above all else. By above all else, it is meant those states of affairs whose actualization overrides all others. Following from this, something is described as moral when it is conducive to that which is above all else, whereby an action is described as morally right that in any given situation is most conducive toward those states of affairs whose actualization takes precedence over all others.

In this light, Aristotle can be understood to argue that eudaimonia is what is actually most important, because it's not a means to another end (ect). So for him it seems clear that if morality has to do with what people ought to do above all else, and flourishing is what all rational beings want to achieve above all else, flourishing must be the main concern/goal of morality. So on this account, because virtue contributes to flourishing, virtue contributes to the central aim of morality, and, therefore, virtue = moral.

>I understand that Aristotle's ethics is based on his teleology. But just to press on: Is it possible to have a system of virtue ethics without relying on teleology?

Yes, while there might not be final ends in nature, we can still talk about the emergence of teleological behaviour, look at what it is humans tend naturally to aim for, and we can still talk about rational/irrational means to end relationships.

Also, in regards to this question, I recommend Christine M. Korsgaard's paper Aristotle's Function Argument, where she reconstructs and defends the argument itself, and shows that when properly understood, it is possible to answer many of the objections that have been raised to it.

>Is there a fixed virtue?

In principle, yes, there are fixed virtues, that are objectively conducive to flourishing. Finding those virtues in practice is a different matter, though.

>Does society's virtue move with shifts in culture, technology, etc.?

Some of the research in positive psychology may help shed light on this. Martin Seligman recently said that the goal of positive psychology is to increase flourishing. So, its relevance here is already clear. In their handbook, Character Strengths and Virtues, Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman present six classes of virtue, made up of twenty-four measurable character strengths, that they claim have a significant amount of similarity across cultures, strongly indicating a historical and cross-cultural convergence:

Temperance is comprised of strengths that protect against excess. They are:
self discipline, prudence, humility, and forgiveness.

Courage is comprised of emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will
to accomplish goals in the face of opposition. They are: bravery,
perseverance, integrity and zest.

Wisdom is comprised of cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and
application of knowledge. They are: creativity, curiosity, sound judgement,
love of learning, and perspective.

Humanity is comprised of interpersonal strengths that involve tending and
befriending others. They are: love, kindness, and social intelligence.

Justice is comprised of civic strengths that underlie healthy community life.
They are: fairness, citizenship, and leadership.

Transcendence is comprised of strengths that forge connections to the larger
universe and provide inner certitude. They are: appreciation of beauty and
excellence, gratitude, hope, humour, and spirituality.

They claim that each character strength is a stable trait-like pattern that is conductive to well-being and flourishing, and is naturally nurtured by societal norms and institutions. Each of the strengths is defined behaviourally, with psychometric evidence demonstrating that empirically minded humanists can measure character strengths and virtues in a rigorous scientific manner.

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Sources:

http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/nicomachaen.html

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/morality-definition/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Character-Strengths-Virtues-Handbook-Classification/dp/0195167015

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flourish-Understanding-Happiness-Well-Being-Achieve/dp/1857885694

• The Virtue Dictionary - A compilation of quotes that examines human character qualities from a humanistic perspective.
  
  
• Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification - Similar to the above link except in book form and in much greater depth.
  
  To quote the description on Amazon, "Character Strengths and Virtues classifies twenty-four specific strengths under six broad virtues that consistently emerge across history and culture: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Each strength is thoroughly examined in its own chapter, with special attention to its meaning, explanation, measurement, causes, correlates, consequences, and development across the life span, as well as to strategies for its deliberate cultivation. This book demands the attention of anyone interested in psychology and what it can teach about the good life."

The book Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification by Marty Seligman and Christopher Peterson is a quite accessible book chock full of great insights about being a better, more flourishing person. For a more pop-sci audience, there's also Seligman's book Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Just a few days ago Seligman's new book The Hope Circuit came out but I haven't gotten a chance to look into it yet.