Virtuous gratitude as an aim of education

This article justifies virtuous gratitude as an aim of formal education. This virtue is characterised by the disposition to perceive, think, feel and act in accordance with the moral ideal of acknowledging and cherishing the gratuitous good in life. At its heart lies a conscientious commitment to this ideal, infused with a concern for truth, justice and wellbeing. This virtue also requires guidance by wisdom, and a capacity for reflective awareness and imagination. We map risks accompanying misguided gratitude and the shortcomings that must be overcome to avoid them. We demonstrate why this virtue is both conducive to and constitutive of flourishing—an important overarching aim of education. Virtuous gratitude can deepen people’s outlook and promote ongoing self-cultivation and wisdom. Thus, fostering this virtue not only necessitates education but contributes to it. We conclude that virtuous gratitude is not merely a legitimate aim, but a required aim of formal education.