Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin's project of moral perfection consists of thirteen virtues aimed at personal and societal betterment, influenced by his deist beliefs and emphasizing responsibility and civic duty. He likely expected those with inherited wealth to apply these virtues constructively, contributing to the concept of republican virtue. His principles also intersect with philosophical ideas concerning ethics, personal well-being, and civic responsibilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Franklin's Project of Moral Perfection
Benjamin Franklin's project of moral perfection involves a set of thirteen virtues which he believed were necessary for personal improvement and the well-being of society. These virtues include temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. While Franklin's virtues suggest that hard work and good behavior will lead to success, there are factors that he may have overlooked, such as the impact of inherited wealth and the social and economic environment that influences an individual's ability to pursue these virtues.
Franklin's approach to moral perfection was shaped by his deist beliefs, which emphasized individual morality over strict adherence to church doctrines. He considered personal moral integrity and the pursuit of knowledge essential for philanthropy and societal advancements, as evidenced by his founding of numerous institutions in Philadelphia. When considering children who inherit wealth, Franklin would likely expect them to apply his virtues to use their resources responsibly and contribute positively to society, as his values align with the notion of republican virtue, which emphasizes civic duty and personal responsibility.
Franklin's values reinforce the idea of perfectionism in ethics, which can be connected to broader philosophical concepts such as Kant's Kingdom of Ends, which holds that humans should be treated as ends in themselves and not merely as means to achieve one's goals. Thus, Franklin's virtues can be seen as guiding principles towards achieving one's highest good, aligning oneself with the community's well-being, and fulfilling one's civic duties.