The Virtues

Virtue theory asks not just how to do good, but how to be good. This course explores timeless questions of character through the lens of thinkers like Aristotle, Jesus, the Buddha, and Confucius. We will reflect on key virtues-such as honesty, courage, compassion, and respect
-and consider practical ways to cultivate them in daily life. The full series may be taught as two separate courses.

David Smith, PhD, is a scholar of religion and philosophy who was raised in a fundamentalist tradition and later became a progressive skeptic. He holds graduate degrees in philosophy of religion and religious studies from Temple University. A former professor at Central Washington University, he now teaches independent seminars and has published widely. His work empowers others to think critically about life's big questions.