Virtue ethics, Wendell Berry and agriculture

Publication date: 12/06/2023
Extent: 14 pages

Contributions by: Wade Casey, Loyola University Chicago, USA

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter begins by detailing the major aspects of the virtue ethics tradition, particularly as they are understood by Aristotle. I then turn to Wendell Berry’s thought and argue that Berry embodies well many of the facets of this tradition. I consider three virtues in Berry’s thought: humility, generosity, and love. I reveal that by taking these virtues seriously, Berry offers to the agricultural community a more sustainable path forward for agriculture. Berry’s advocacy of virtues in agriculture offers a wisdom to researchers and practitioners alike which, I argue, can ameliorate many present ecological and economic concerns.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2023.0125.16