What are moral virtues according to ethical philosophy?

Moral virtues are traits that enhance individual character and relationships, which is why this answer is the most accurate in the context of ethical philosophy. These virtues traditionally include qualities such as honesty, compassion, courage, and integrity, which contribute not only to the moral character of individuals but also foster positive interactions and relationships within society.

The concept emphasizes the importance of developing moral character through virtuous traits as opposed to merely adhering to rules or outcomes. This focus on character development plays a crucial role in ethical frameworks such as virtue ethics, where the emphasis is on the moral agent and what constitutes a good life through the cultivation of virtuous traits.

In contrast, the other options reflect different aspects of ethical and philosophical thought: skills for scientific inquiry relate to empirical and methodological approaches, methods for calculating happiness and suffering pertain to utilitarian ethics, prioritizing outcomes over character, and principles for governing social behavior connect more with normative ethics or legalistic frameworks rather than the personal development emphasized by moral virtues.