Self-Esteem: An Operational Definition and Ethical Analysis

Abstract

Self-esteem can be formally defined in ways that require radically different ethical assessments. An examination of the phenomena usually associated with high self-esteem, however, allows an ethical assessment which is not dependent on formal definitions. The phenomena to which most people intend to refer when they use the term high self-esteem can be assessed ethically by recognizing its similarity to humility and by making reference to virtues such as empathy, contentment, honesty, courage, and grace.