Suffering, in one form or another, is present in all of our lives. But why do we suffer? On one reading, this is a question about the causes of physical and emotional suffering. On another, it is a question about whether suffering has a point or purpose or value. In this ground-breaking book, Michael Brady argues that suffering is vital for the development of virtue, and hence for us to live happy or flourishing lives. After presenting a distinctive account of suffering and a novel interpretation of its core element - unpleasantness - Brady focuses on three claims that are central to his picture. The first is that forms of suffering, like pain and remorse, can themselves constitute virtuous responses. The second is that suffering is essential for four important classes of virtue: virtues of strength, such as fortitude and courage; virtues of vulnerability, such as adaptability and humility; moral virtues, such as compassion; and the practical and epistemic excellences that make up wisdom. His third and final claim is that suffering is vital for the social virtues of justice, love, and trust, and hence for the flourishing of social groups.

About the Author
Michael Brady is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Glasgow, having previously taught at the University of Stirling. His research centres on the philosophy of emotion, and its links with moral philosophy and epistemology. He was Director of the British Philosophical Association, having previously served as Secretary of the Scots Philosophical Association, and he is Philosopher in Residence with Quarantine, the Manchester-based theatre and performance company.

Reviews
Well written, clear and sound structured, Suffering and Virtue is a critical study that attempts to drive the aspects of a difficult subject matter as suffering in the current context. In this research,Bradyhas a major purpose: to explore why do we suffer ... Brady's contribution through this volume that addresses such a current issue not only helps our understanding of suffering but also puts the question back on the table of the debate about how to learn to suffer and overcome difficulties virtuously. * Metapsychology *
Brady's discussion of suffering is replete with valuable insights about strength of character and the virtues of vulnerability such as gratitude, humility, and types of creativity elicited by illness ... Recommended. * S. A. Mason, CHOICE *
In his bold, original, and carefully argued book, Michael Brady examines the contribution of suffering to the cultivation of virtue and to our living flourishing lives. Brady breaks new ground on a number of fronts, and his arguments have wide-ranging implications for philosophy of mind, moral psychology, ethics, and philosophy of religion. I learned a great deal from reading Suffering and Virtue, and very strongly recommend it!" * Christian B. Miller, Wake Forest University *
In this sensitive and insightful book, Michael Brady argues that experiences of suffering can enable the cultivation of various virtues - a claim he carefully guards against both distorting optimism and rigid pessimism about the possibilities for flourishing amid the vulnerabilities and frailties of human life. * Ian James Kidd, University of Nottingham *



Book Information
ISBN 9780198812807
Author Michael S. Brady
Format Hardback
Page Count 190
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 450g
Dimensions(mm) 241mm * 163mm * 18mm