Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification [Hardcover]

Christopher Peterson (Author), Martin Seligman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 8, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0195167015 | ISBN-13: 978-0195167016 | Edition: 1

"Character" has become a front-and-center topic in contemporary discourse, but this term does not have a fixed meaning. Character may be simply defined by what someone does not do, but a more active and thorough definition is necessary, one that addresses certain vital questions. Is character a singular characteristic of an individual, or is it composed of different aspects? Does character--however we define it--exist in degrees, or is it simply something one happens to have? How can character be developed? Can it be learned? Relatedly, can it be taught, and who might be the most effective teacher? What roles are played by family, schools, the media, religion, and the larger culture? This groundbreaking handbook of character strengths and virtues is the first progress report from a prestigious group of researchers who have undertaken the systematic classification and measurement of widely valued positive traits. They approach good character in terms of separate strengths-authenticity, persistence, kindness, gratitude, hope, humor, and so on-each of which exists in degrees.

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above, especially those interested in positive psychology." --Choice

"Peterson and Seligman's Character Strengths and Virtues adds a needed balance to the psychological literature. Topics such as character and virtue have too long been only in the domains of moral philosophy and politics. This work provides a needed psychological foundation for studying some of the attributes that are most important to a world that is foundering on the shoals of wars, terrorism, and atrocities. I recommend the book very highly."-Robert J. Sternberg, IBM Professor of Psychology and Education, Yale University; Director, Center for the Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise (PACE Center), Yale University; Past President, American Psychological Association

"Peterson and Seligman's endeavor to focus on human strengths and virtues is one of the most important initiatives in psychology of the past half century. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to make a small contribution to this paradigm-changing effort."-Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Education and Cognition, Harvard Graduate School of Education

"The book helps, in other words, with a coherent conversation about human qualities or character. Perhaps it can ultimately help people to remain 'attached to their values' as well."--Family Medicine

About the Author

Christopher Peterson is at University of Michigan. Martin E. P. Seligman is at University of Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 800 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (April 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195167015
• ISBN-13: 978-0195167016
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 1.7 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,572 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Cognitive
  • #18 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Testing & Measurement
  • #27 in Books > Medical Books > Psychology > Education & Training

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

197 of 207 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thick and thoughtful about super sanity September 18, 2004

By John Renner

Format:Hardcover

It sounds like a reference book, but the first 89 pages alone is worth the purchase. Who would have guessed that Confucianists, Taoists, Hindus, Buddhists, Christans, Jews, Greeks, Charlemange, Ben Franklin and The Boy Scouts of America could reach a consensus on the definition of "good character"? Well, no one of course. However, now that all the key characters are history (OK--but it many not be long for the Scouts if they aren't careful), these authors have rather brilliantly assessed the central writings of each source and created a credible structure of 6 key virtues that are made up of a total of 24 subcomponents they call "strengths" that have been recognized across a span of 2500 years and many cultures. They tie this into youth development research, the history of philosophy, evolutionary psychology and a fascinating analysis of the rise and fall and rise again of the concept of "character" in psychology. Then--did you ever want to learn more about the virtue of "Wisdom"--such as its history, the measurement techniques, the research--this is the place to read about it. How about "Justice"? Wow, this is fascinating reading because these psychologists carry everything from history through various disciplines down to measurement. If you dont' think this is new, consider the fact that psychologists have studied "insanity" for years. We can tell you if you are very insane, somewhat insane or have no symptoms. What is the positive half of that dimension? You want yourself and your children and those around you to be far far away from merely lacking symptoms--you want positive mental health. Fascinating topic. You want to read original sources? This book has 117 pages of references. That is about 2000 books and articles. Why not be lazy and read this well-written compliation of this vast literature that has been assembled and reviewed by a dedicated band of researchers. This book won't replace Dr. Spock for the masses, but gives some excellent insights that can reframe how you the voter and our esteemed government policy wonks approach education and child development. For the avid research psychologist, there are many provocative research ideas here that the authors claim they will work on someday. I am certain that they are still tired from writing the book, so get busy!

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A positive, worthwhile, and encouraging model for a vital question September 18, 2006

By Brad4d VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

-The authors helped found the Positive Psychology movement, which hopes to supplement psychology's current medical model ("find what's wrong, then fix it") with a model for positive health ("find what's right, then encourage it"). Psychological health, which is not just an absence of disease, includes such things as character preparation, improved baseline happiness, realistic optimism, wisdom, and cognitive sophistication. The authors consider character and virtue indispensible for cultivating a good and positive life, and this book pioneers a method for classifying and evaluating them both.

-The authors provide, and then develop, definitions and assumptions to support their scheme. Next, they develop a classification scheme for character and virtue similar to the successful multi-axis Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), which allows psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose mental conditions in a reasonably productive and consistent manner. Classification helps recognize basic elements, helps understand past performance, and helps standardize and partially quantify a protocol for evaluating data (this may possibly allow character to be evaluated and developed more objectively than we can today, although wise subjective evaluation will still definitely be necessary). Providing a framework for character and virtue is often better than saying "S/he seemed like such a good person," or "well, I just think that candidate's character is better."

-The authors use examples of virtue and character from several different times and cultures for their scheme, and conclude that virtue and character based on an internal quality of mind (rather than external events like popularity or a promotion) can be developed and can lead to a better life. A skeptic and postmodernist could snipe at this and argue we should not even try to develop virtue or that universal standards are impossible; I would suggest that this issue is too important to be left to the nay-sayers, that just because things are not done perfectly does not mean they should not be done well or better, and that many credible leaders have shown examples suggesting virtue, character, and a positive life can be developed. This is an eminently worthy subject. The authors' goals, efforts, and respectable methodology are clearly far better than just throwing up one's hands and cursing the darkness.

-In my opinion, this book is invaluable and exciting, and re-ignites a proud human tradition to make better sense of character, virtue, and positive cultivated happiness (eudaemonia). Goodness knows -- we could use it! Developing flexible standards is a proven augmentation for the opinions of a true expert. Sure, we would all disagree with elements of the book, but my only major criticism is that such a scheme is subject to the usual abuse by those who try to substitute a framework for good judgment.

-I would recommend this book to any educator, psychology connoisseur, or anyone interested in character (one of the few important questions for any human to ask). Hope this review helps you.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars To make us better and happier January 8, 2007

By Shalom Freedman HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

This manual of character strengths and virtues attempts to place the study and improvement of 'Character' at the center of psychological study. Its aim is to focus on positive improvements in ourselves so as to make us happier in our daily lives. Seligman and Peterson are major figures in the whole area of 'Happiness Studies' and shifting the focus of psychological work from negative to positive, from the previous aim of making us somehow tolerably unhappy to one of making us truly happy in our lives.

Their analysis involves a historical cross- cultural study of the various character traits. The central part of the book however is their presenting six major Virtues and the respenctive strengths that are apart of them.

For instance the strengths of the Virtue Courage are Bravery, Persistence, Integrity, Vitality,- The strengfths of the Virtue Humanity are Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence- the strengths of Justice are Citizenship,Fairness, Leadership, - the strengths of Temperance are Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, Self- Regulation, The Strengths of Transcendence are Appreciation of Beauty, Gratitude, Hope for the Future , Humor , Spirituality, the strengths of Wisdom and Knowledge are Creativity, Curiosity, Open- Mindedness.

Seligman and Peterson aim at providing a guide to professionals in psychology by which they can evaluate their clients and provide them means for improvement. I do not have the professional credentials to evalute the work on this basis.

I can say however that this is a rich and thoughtful work for anyone interested in the whole subject of human character and happiness.