Moral Sainthood: A Desirable Trait?

 

Moral Sainthood: A Desirable Trait?

Introduction

Moral sainthood is often considered an admirable trait in individuals, but the extent to which it is desirable remains a subject of debate. Susan Wolf, in her essay “Moral Saints,” argues that moral sainthood is not an ideal state for individuals to pursue. On the other hand, Carla Bagnoli, in her essay “The Alleged Paradox of Moral Perfection,” offers a different perspective by contending that moral perfection is a worthy goal. This essay will compare and contrast the views of Wolf and Bagnoli on whether moral sainthood is a desirable trait. Additionally, it will briefly touch upon Vanessa Carbonell’s essay “What Moral Saints Look Like” to provide further insights.

Susan Wolf’s Perspective

According to Susan Wolf, moral sainthood is not a desirable trait for several reasons. Firstly, she argues that moral saints are lacking in richness and diversity of character. They prioritize moral considerations above all else, neglecting other aspects of life such as personal relationships, hobbies, and interests. This singular focus on morality leads to a one-dimensional existence, devoid of the complexities that make life fulfilling and meaningful.

Secondly, Wolf suggests that moral saints may be less capable of meaningful relationships. They tend to hold others to high moral standards and are prone to judgment and criticism. This can create a sense of superiority and distance between themselves and others, hindering genuine connections. Wolf emphasizes the importance of non-moral values in fostering deep relationships and allowing for personal growth.

Lastly, Wolf contends that moral sainthood can lead to a sense of self-righteousness and dissatisfaction. Moral saints often set unattainable moral standards for themselves and may feel guilty or inadequate when they fall short. This constant self-scrutiny can erode one’s self-worth and diminish overall happiness.

Carla Bagnoli’s Perspective

Carla Bagnoli offers a contrasting view to Wolf’s analysis. In her essay, “The Alleged Paradox of Moral Perfection,” Bagnoli argues that moral perfection is indeed a worthy goal. She believes that the aspiration for moral excellence enhances one’s ability to live an ethically meaningful life.

Bagnoli acknowledges that striving for moral perfection might involve sacrifices and trade-offs, but she does not see this as inherently negative. She argues that the pursuit of moral perfection can promote personal growth and contribute to the development of virtues such as empathy, fairness, and compassion. These virtues not only benefit society but also enhance the individual’s well-being.

Furthermore, Bagnoli argues that aiming for moral perfection does not necessarily imply neglecting other aspects of life. She suggests that individuals can integrate moral concerns into other domains, such as professional life or personal relationships, rather than compartmentalizing them. This integration allows for a more balanced approach, where moral excellence is pursued alongside other important values.

Vanessa Carbonell’s Perspective

Vanessa Carbonell’s essay “What Moral Saints Look Like” offers further insights into the concept of moral sainthood. While Carbonell does not directly address whether moral sainthood is desirable, she explores what characteristics define a moral saint. She suggests that moral saints exhibit qualities such as selflessness, integrity, and a commitment to moral principles.

Carbonell’s analysis aligns with Bagnoli’s perspective that moral perfection can lead to personal growth and contribute positively to society. However, Carbonell also highlights the potential downsides of being a moral saint, such as the difficulty of maintaining consistency in moral decision-making and the possibility of experiencing burnout or exhaustion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the views on whether moral sainthood is a desirable trait differ between Susan Wolf and Carla Bagnoli. Wolf argues against the desirability of moral sainthood, emphasizing its potential negative consequences on personal fulfillment and relationships. On the other hand, Bagnoli contends that striving for moral perfection is valuable and can contribute to personal growth and ethical living. While Carbonell’s essay does not explicitly address desirability, it provides additional insights into the characteristics associated with moral sainthood. Ultimately, whether moral sainthood is deemed desirable or not depends on an individual’s values and priorities.