Suffering and Virtue

by Michael S. Brady

Suffering, in one form or another, is present in all of our lives. But why do we suffer? On one reading, this is a question about the causes of physical and emotional suffering. On another, it is a question about whether suffering has a point or purpose or value. In this ground-breaking book, Michael Brady argues that suffering is vital for the development of virtue, and hence for us to live happy or flourishing lives. After presenting a distinctive account of suffering and a novel interpretation of its core element - unpleasantness - Brady focuses on three claims that are central to his picture. The first is that forms of suffering, like pain and remorse, can themselves constitute virtuous responses. The second is that suffering is essential for four important classes of virtues of strength, such as fortitude and courage; virtues of vulnerability, such as adaptability and humility; moral virtues, such as compassion; and the practical and epistemic excellences that make
up wisdom. His third and final claim is that suffering is vital for the social virtues of justice, love, and trust, and hence for the flourishing of social groups.

Genres: Philosophy

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 26, 2018

Reviews

[Francis Bezooyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dry, but thorough, thoughtful, and well argued. This is definitely worth reading if you have a serious interest in "the problem of evil".

I do have a few quibbles with it. The main one is that though the author acknowledges the validity of arguments against the soul building theodicy view of the virtue of suffering, agreeing that perhaps even most suffering is, all things considered, "bad" in a way that his own arguments don't counter, I believe he should have given these counter arguments more of a hearing. He passes over them relatively quickly.

Again, though - it's definitely worth reading.