Character Strengths and Virtues: An Analysis of Articles

Running Head: ARTICLE ANALYSIS 0
Management

ARTICLE ANALYSIS 1
Article 1
Peterson, C. and Seligman, M. (2004). Character strengths and virtues. Washington, DC:
American Psychological Association.
In this article, author has explained the distinguish between virtues, character strengths and
the situational themes. It has stated that virtues are those core features that are valued by the
religious thinkers and philosophers: courage, wisdom, humanity, temperance, justice, and
transparency. However, the main criticism besides this is that these are universal. It is true
that in order to become the person with good character, these qualities are essential. As
compare to this, character strengths are in the ingredients of psychology. The character of the
person defines the virtues. For instance- the virtue of wisdom can be achieved from curiosity,
creativity, open mindness, and having the big picture in life. However, it is not always
possible that the person is of good character is that person displays his or her some of the
strengths in a group. It is because people express its feeling as per the situation. Similarly, in
the workplace, several situational themes are required. In addition to this, it is also true that
work theme differs from the family theme. In the negative aspect of the themes, it might be
possible that the person is competitive at home and work but might be manifest as differently.
In several ways, themes differ from the character strengths. It has also explained that the
initial brainstorming took place at the time of character strengths. These are similar to the
table and chairs, cats and dogs category that is sued by the people in order to make sense.
The character strength of hope is rendered as the optimism, hope, future orientation, an future
mindedness. In addition to this, it is also required by the person to be faithful. It has also
stated the several criteria’s for the strength of character. The first criteria that it has discussed
is that how a person cope up with the adversity. It is true that the strength allow the person to
achieve more without any disorder and distress. The second criteria is that the strength can
produce the desirable outcomes. In addition to this, happiness of the person also matters to a
large extent because if a person will not be happy about its strength to do something, it will
not be able to produce the desired outcomes. In this way, there is direct relationship with the
strength and outcomes. It is also criticised by stating that a person is not only recognised
when it produce any outcome rather than it a good character is also required for the human. In
the second criteria, author has also given emphasis on the difference between talent and
character strengths. By including both the elements, it said that talent is given the more value
due to its tangible consequence such as wealth and acclaim. It is rightly stated in the article