ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines our attempt to construct an empirically grounded, normative theory of virtuous self-development by linking the philosophy of virtue ethics, particularly from a feminist perspective, with the psychology of life stories and eudaimonic personality development. We summarize our theoretical approaches to virtue, the narrative self, personhood, social ecology, our empirical method, and some preliminary findings. That method centers on interviewing individuals and their families for their life stories and family stories, respectively. These stories are analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively for themes of virtue, in which people conceptually link their actions to virtues that these individuals personally value, that serve as personal motives, and that endow their actions and lives with meaning. Of special focus are the ways that social institutions and their master narratives impose blockades and burdens on women and others who strive to cultivate virtue despite non-ideal circumstances.
