Abstract

This paper argues that everyday virtuous behavior does not arise from a principle or explicit process of thought but is instead the expression of a prereflexive structure of character. On this account, the implicit micro-judgments that characterize everyday virtue are expressions of what is morally salient in everyday situations. Rather than arguing for this claim in a theoretical way, the paper illustrates this position by describing a day-long, Socratic conversation on the topic of “What is Interpersonal Love?” The results of this conversation are that the basis of everyday virtuous behavior concerning interpersonal love is located in the implicit understanding, everyday behavior, and practical decisions that individuals make in the context of their lives.