Final answer:
Historical figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin are recognized for their great moral virtues, encapsulating qualities such as honesty, integrity, and a structured approach to virtue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Great moral virtues have been exemplified by historical figures such as George Washington, with his renowned honesty and integrity, and Benjamin Franklin, with his defined thirteen virtues for character development. Washington is a symbolic figure in American history, often celebrated for his republican virtues that earned him great respect from his countrymen. On the other hand, Benjamin Franklin's structured approach to morality through his thirteen virtues aimed at guiding citizens in upholding a virtuous republic.
Virtue ethics is a character-centered approach to morality, where right actions stem from having the right character traits or dispositions. Forefathers like Jefferson, Franklin, and Washington, heavily influenced by Enlightenment philosophers, are often cited by political leaders as foundational figures whose virtues and principles contribute to political success, as seen in China with the reverence for Confucius by contemporary leaders like Xi Jinping.
These leaders, espousing wisdom, compassion, courage, and additional traits like bravery, integrity, and humility, serve as examples of developing great moral virtues, which are seen as crucial to personal development and societal well-being as highlighted in the various philosophies of virtue ethics, including those of Confucius and Western political philosophers.