What qualities, skills, dispositions and character traits play a role in professional success and failure? What might it mean to commit to a virtuous life and civic virtue at a time when deception, egoism, and corruption appear to be lavishly rewarded in both private and public life? What are the philosophical foundations as well as critiques and limitations of virtue ethics? What does virtue mean to you? How can it inform hard choices you face in building a professional life? In this discussion seminar we will explore these and other questions through interdisciplinary readings, biographical analysis of professionals and others who have achieved remarkable success and experienced failure, and analysis of various aspects of virtue ethics. Class sessions will generally begin with an extended lecture on a specific element of virtue. Students will then engage in small group discussion on the topic and share their perspectives with the class. A short personal reflection essay is due at the end of the term. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Participation, Written Assignments. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available at SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.
2 units · Law Mandatory P/R/F
What qualities, skills, dispositions and character traits play a role in professional success and failure? What might it mean to commit to a virtuous life and civic virtue at a time when deception, egoism, and corruption appear to be lavishly rewarded in both private and public life? What are the philosophical foundations as well as critiques and limitations of virtue ethics? What does virtue mean to you? How can it inform hard choices you face in building a professional life? In this discussion seminar we will explore these and other questions through interdisciplinary readings, biographical analysis of professionals and others who have achieved remarkable success and experienced failure, and analysis of various aspects of virtue ethics. Class sessions will generally begin with an extended lecture on a specific element of virtue. Students will then engage in small group discussion on the topic and share their perspectives with the class. A short personal reflection essay is due at the end of the term. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Participation, Written Assignments. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete a Consent Application Form available at SLS Registrar https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.
Offered in Autumn 2026 at Stanford University.