Wealth, Virtue, and Moral Luck: Christian Ethics in an Age of Inequality

Kate Ward's book "Wealth, Virtue, and Moral Luck" explores the issue of inequality from the perspective of Christian virtue ethics, arguing that moral luck—our individual life circumstances—affects our ability to pursue virtue. She suggests that economic status functions as moral luck and impedes the ability of both the wealthy and the poor to pursue virtues such as prudence, justice, and temperance, and that extreme inequality exacerbates the impact of wealth and poverty on virtue. Ward proposes that Christians and Christian communities should respond to the challenges inequality poses to virtue by working to change the structures that perpetuate extreme inequality and through spiritual practices such as contentment, conversion, encountering others, and reminding ourselves of our ultimate dependence on God.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2021
Publisher: Georgetown University Press

In a world characterized by profound disparities, our economic circumstances significantly influence our pursuit of virtue. Whether we find ourselves comfortably affluent or grappling with the daily challenges of survival, our understanding of inequality as a moral issue remains incomplete. It is insufficient to attribute inequality solely to moral shortcomings. We must recognize that influence flows in both directions. Inequality exerts a detrimental impact on individuals' moral growth.

In her book "Wealth, Virtue, and Moral Luck," Kate Ward delves into the issue of inequality from the perspective of Christian virtue ethics. She argues that moral luck, or our individual life circumstances, plays a crucial role in shaping our ability to pursue virtue. Economic status functions as a form of moral luck, impeding both the wealthy and the poor in their pursuit of virtues such as prudence, justice, and temperance. Moreover, extreme inequality exacerbates the influence of wealth and poverty on virtue.

Given these realities, Ward offers insights on how Christians and Christian communities should respond to the challenges posed by inequality. She advocates for working towards changing the structural factors that perpetuate extreme inequality, as well as engaging in spiritual practices that promote contentment, conversion, encountering others, and remembering our ultimate dependence on God. By implementing these approaches, Ward believes that we can create a world where all individuals have the opportunity to pursue and achieve virtue.

In conclusion, our economic status profoundly influences our pursuit of virtue in a world characterized by inequality. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this issue and adopting strategies to address it is essential for promoting moral development and creating a more equitable society.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 153 x 231 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647121389