My research covers a range of topics mainly within ethics and epistemology. Much of my work focuses on positive character traits ("virtues") and negative character traits ("vices"). I am interested in developing accounts of the nature of specific traits (such as honesty, courage, modesty, compassion and open-mindedness) and in thinking about the relationships between them.

I also work on the practical issue of how these character traits can be developed or corrupted. Questions for my current research include: How can our educational institutions help to encourage the development of moral and intellectual virtues? And what are the social factors that can inhibit the development of positive traits?

I have also recently been working on questions within the philosophy of well-being, including: To what extent is our well-being determined by our own subjective attitudes? And do we require different ways of thinking about well-being for different stages of our lives?

For more information, see: alantwilson.weebly.com