Human Nature, the Virtues, and Vices

Consider this case study: John did not study for the test, and he cannot pass the class if he does not pass. If he does not pass the class, he does not graduate on time. If he does not graduate on time, he will lose the good job offer he received contingent upon his having his degree. He realizes that the teacher does not keep a close eye on the class during the test. So he sets up his smart phone so that all his class notes are accessible on the phone. He then takes the test using his smart phone for his answers. He is not caught and ends up earning one of the highest grades on the test. For this response paper, I want you to assess his actions from the standpoint of the Christian virtue tradition. Specifically, I want you to explain why, from that perspective, John did not do what was in his best interest. Note that, for this exercise, your answer should not appeal to breaking moral rules nor to anything related to getting into heaven. This is a question about morality, not soteriology. Think about the impact of one’s choices on who you are and what it means to live well from the virtue pespective.