Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines virtue?

1. A sudden moral decision made in a crisis

2. A habit of doing what is good

3. An inherited trait that determines moral character

4. A temporary feeling of moral obligation

The correct answer is: A habit of doing what is good

The choice that best defines virtue is centered on the concept of habitual behavior in moral contexts. Virtue refers to a consistent and ingrained disposition to act in accordance with moral principles, thus embodying a way of being that prioritizes goodness. This definition emphasizes the importance of regular practice in making ethical choices, suggesting that virtuous individuals cultivate habits that align with positive moral values over time. In contrast, the other options imply a more transient or situational approach to morality that does not capture the essence of virtue: - A sudden moral decision made in a crisis represents an isolated response to an urgent scenario rather than a demonstration of virtue cultivated through consistent practice. - An inherited trait that determines moral character suggests that virtue is something intrinsically passed down, which diminishes the role of personal choice and development in shaping one's moral framework. - A temporary feeling of moral obligation points to an emotional response rather than a stable character trait, which does not convey the enduring nature of virtue as established through habitual actions. Thus, defining virtue as a habit of doing what is good highlights the proactive, ongoing commitment to living ethically, which is foundational to understanding virtue in a philosophical and ethical context.