Virtuous Minds : Intellectual Character Development

Acknowledgements
Foreword, Jason Baehr
Introduction
Part I: The Seven Intellectual Virtues
Intellectual Courage
Intellectual Carefulness
Intellectual Tenacity
Intellectual Fair-mindedness
Intellectual Curiosity
Intellectual Honesty
Intellectual Humility

Part II: The Fruits Of Intellectual Character
The Benefits Of Knowing More About More
The Benefits Of Better Thinking
Loving God
Loving Your Neighbour

Part III: Becoming People Of Intellectual Character Developing
Virtuous Intellectual Character In Yourself
Seven Suggestions For Parents And Educators
Conclusion

Part IV: Discussion Guide & Appendices
A Discussion Guide For University And Church Groups
Appendices A-I

Additional Info
What does it mean to love God with all of our minds? Our culture today is in a state of crisis where intellectual virtue is concerned. Dishonesty, cheating, arrogance, laziness, cowardice–such vices are rampant in society, even among the worlds most prominent leaders. We find ourselves in an ethical vacuum, as the daily headlines of our newspapers confirm again and again. Central to the problem is the state of education. We live in a technological world that has ever greater access to new information and yet no idea what to do with it all. In this wise and winsome book, Philip Dow presents a case for the recovery of intellectual character. He explores seven key virtues–courage, carefulness, tenacity, fair-mindedness, curiosity, honesty and humility–and discusses their many benefits. The recovery of virtue, Dow argues, is not about doing the right things, but about becoming the right kind of person. The formation of intellectual character produces a way of life that demonstrates love for both God and neighbor. Dow has written an eminently practical guide to a life of intellectual virtue designed especially for parents and educators. The book concludes with seven principles for a true education, a discussion guide for university and church groups, and nine appendices that provide examples from Dows experience as a teacher and administrator. Virtuous Minds is a timely and thoughtful work for parents and pastors, teachers and students–anyone who thinks education is more about the quality of character than about the quantity of facts.