Structure of the Essay:

Introduction:

You can start the introduction through following ways:

  • Start with a general introduction/an anecdote/an example/a short story/a poem/ etc. about Virtue and its importance.
  • Define Virtue, Vice and Conscience through various philosophical theories and quotes from philosophers.

 

Thesis Statement:

  • It is a transition statement between introduction and body of the essay.
  • In thesis statement, you should write outline of the body with your own arguments. You should prove these arguments in body of the essay with relevant examples.

Body of the essay:

  • Discuss the Virtues which people need in their day-to-day life
    • Example: Nonviolence, Honesty etc
  • Discuss the vices people have
    • Examples: Dishonesty, Intoxication etc
  • Explain why people try to find with vices rather than virtues
    • Quicker resolution
    • Can make an enemy fearful in the short term.
    • Achievement of personal goals – power, money etc
  • Explain how virtue is not subjected to conscience. Quote examples (examples help in explaining)
    • Example – Charity is a virtuous act. Individual conscience promotes the act of helping others. The extreme of charity (as it has no subjection to individual conscience) can make one poor.
    • Social Conscience promotes Virtues.
  • Explain why virtue is more to be feared than vice?
    • Gives self-belief and immense strength.
      • Example: Mahatma Gandhi fought for Freedom of India with virtues such as non-violence, truth etc and because his conscience was clear he was able to fight British strongly.
    • Help people relate with your cause.
      • Example: Mass of India related to the methods of Gandhi because they don’t want to do violence against their conscience.
    • Makes the enemy doubt their own conscience.
    • Sustainable achievement of goals. Etc
    • Open doors for peaceful coexistence, democracy and peace.
  • Explain how such virtues can be developed.
    • Value education from early childhood.
    • Role of family, school and peers.
    • Incentivizing virtues deeds and punishing vices.
    • Modeling oneself on any virtues role model. etc

 

Conclusion:

  • Conclude with an optimistic attitude towards Virtues but also mention how an excess of virtues, due to no subjugation to conscience, can be detrimental
Legacy Editor Changed status to publish June 21, 2023