Ultimately, the dictatorship of virtue undermines true moral progress from "summary" of Dictatorship of Virtue by Richard Bernstein
The idea that a dictatorship of virtue can hinder genuine moral advancement is a complex and contentious notion that requires careful consideration. On the surface, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that any form of moral leadership could be detrimental to the development of ethical standards in society. After all, isn't the goal of virtue to promote goodness and righteousness in individuals and communities? While this is undoubtedly true, the problem arises when the pursuit of virtue becomes authoritarian and oppressive, stifling dissent and limiting the diversity of voices and perspectives that are essential for moral progress. When a particular set of virtues is imposed on society as the only acceptable standard of behavior, it can lead to a narrow and rigid understanding of morality. This one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for the complexity and diversity of human ...
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