Integrating Moral and Intellectual Virtue in Developing Mature Purpose

Virtuous purpose development and education are considered. Life design education is presented as exemplifying some key facets of education for virtuous purpose. This draws on the 4 Es approach to virtues, which emphasizes ends, ethic, excellence, and emergence. Virtuous purpose is addressed in light of the 4 Es. Both moral and intellectual virtues are considered, with special focus on wisdom, integrity, imagination, and creativity as virtues supporting virtuous purpose. Educational implications of this approach are explored, especially relating to educational practices supporting the development of wisdom, integrity, imagination, and creativity. These include constructive and critical engagement with philosophy, autonomy support, and providing examples of an opportunity for creative exploration and expression. Limitations and future directions in current research are considered, especially regarding educating for virtuous purpose outside of secondary and tertiary education.