Are there good reasons to be virtuous?

Are there good reasons to be virtuous?
Mankind is unique from other species in that they have the capacity to grasp abstract concepts and recognize them in their experiences. Part of these shared experiences involves the choices humans have to make throughout their lives. Aristotle approaches this basic human function by separating and characterizing core experiences involving choice into spheres. A core experience is meant to indicate one that transcends societal structures and has overlapping agreement amongst cultures. The choice one makes within a given sphere should be virtuous in order to maintain a good life. Criticism and controversy arise in this Aristotelian belief regarding the reasons to be virtuous. By drawing on Aristotle’s Virtuous Life and the works of philosophers Bernard Williams and Martha Nussbaum, this piece will assert valid reasons that exist to be virtuous. Also, due to the existence of so many virtues, the concentration will be on courage, justic...