Civic virtues and transformation of society

The study is introduced by an analysis of the concept of virtue the - contrast between its original and contemporary meaning, and a short historic survey of the ancient, Christian and modern interpretation of virtue. The focus is on civic (social, beneficial) virtues and their significance for the current liberal democratic society which avoids imposing duties on citizens. The significance of the concept of virtues for psychology (political psychology, community psychology) and education (normative appeal, ''civic literacy'') are pointed out. The body of the study is in the attempt to integrate the empirical research related to the state of civic virtues in the transforming Czech Republic. Results of available sociological surveys, international comparative studies, including the author's own research lead to an assumption that the inhabitants of the Czech Republic (despite clear paternalistic and nostalgic tendencies in older and less educated people) have in general accepted the role of citizens. The international comparisons show that the Czech students display a democratic creed and high level of civic culture. The Czech society also manifests a great deal of trust and loyalty to its politicians, prudence, patience, entrepreneurial spirit and a high level of optimism and hope. On the other hand-''post-totalitarian phenomena'' are revealed as ''learned helplessness'', low self-confidence, low self-efficacy, ''hyponationalism'', relatively low level of working habits in youth, egalitarianism, suspiciousness and low level of civic associanism, generally unsatisfactory interpersonal relations and tolerance to fraud and swindles are also evident. According to Krejci, the test of national character is not only in the national tragedies but also in the historically happy moments. The Czechs can employ their relatively positive democratic dispositions for cultivating of democratic character and creation of functional democratic society.