Why Be Virtuous?

[smoothmoniker]

Why be virtuous? Why do good things instead of bad things? The following five statements aren't direct quotes, but they are accurate summaries of five philosophers, and how they answered the question of why we should be virtuous.

“The best reason to be virtuous is because of the nature of the human soul - virtue is the proper function of the human nature, and we do damage to our own nature, our own souls, if we deceive others and act with cruelty.” (Plato)

“The best reason to be virtuous is because of God’s decree - He commands us to do certain things and not to do certain other things, and out of either love or fear, we ought to obey his commands.” (William of Ockham)

"The best reason to be virtuous is because it is the most rational state of affairs - rationality is the cardinal human endeavor, and virtue is the highest expression of reason." (Immanuel Kant)

“The best reason to be virtuous is increased personal well-being in the midst of social pressure - if you are dishonest and cruel to others, society will shun you, and your capacity to enjoy life will be diminished.” (Ayn Rand)

“The best reason to be virtuous is to increase the total happiness (or flourishing) of sentient beings - the cumulative total of well-being is increased better off when people are honest and compassionate toward one another.” (Peter Singer)