The focus of virtue: Attention broadening in empirically informed accounts of virtue cultivation

Important empirically informed proposals of virtue cultivation invoke techniques goal pursuit. This paper argues that these are effective in changing behavior due to the attention narrowing they bring about, and further show such can threaten appropriate exercise phronetic-related capacities. When capacities threatened, two derivative problems arise: (1) One end up acting morally inappropriate ways, (2) Even cases where one performs action, nonetheless fail notice appreciate features moral value. In light concerns, pursuit – at least, by themselves serve most good for those who merely trying avoid vice, rather than cultivate virtue. And so, I suggest accounts incomplete. then go on argue undesirable effects brought about may be ameliorated also engaging certain indirect modifications cognition, particularly which broaden attention. The suggestion, then, is pursuit, along with broadening modifications, might best facilitate when employed together. While particulars how we this currently unclear, ends looking empirical research Open Monitoring Meditation as providing a hopeful option investigated.