Problems with Virtues

Abstract Four problems in the teaching of virtues are discussed. 1. Which virtues to teach is to be decided by distinguishing moral from natural virtues and by choosing the former. 2. Indoctrination is avoided by inculcating only non?controversial virtues, the ones that reflect moral rules as distinct from those reflecting individual ideals. 3. It is conceded that single?track virtues presuppose rules and are therefore inessential in moral education but this objection does not hold for multi?track virtues. 4. Single track virtues are indeed action?guiding and not lacking in this respect, while multi?track, though they do not guide, are necessary in opening up new moral possibilities