SELF-ESTEEM AND MORAL VIRTUE

David Dewhurst has recently argued that certain apparent problems with the aim of promoting pupils' self-esteem stem from a tendency to think of self-esteem as having a necessary connection with comparison between oneself and others. He argues that there is a kind of self-esteem of which this is not true, and that these problems do not arise if the aim is to promote self-esteem or 'self-acceptance' of this sort. While accepting his central argument, I take issue with his dismissal of the suggestion that we should try to deal with the problems in question in part by placing less emphasis on achievement and competence, and more on qualities like kindness and generosity.