Virtuism -- Philosophy and the Aesthetics of Virtue

This is the first formal publication in over 20 years on Virtuism. The earliest mentions of Virtuism were published in the New York art magazine, Artitude, and also in one of the Seattle-based Red Sky Poetry Theater's colllective book publishing events. Everyone brought their page to be bound into the book and the book was created.

The author issued various self-created magazines and other documents, as well as ran a popular

website since 1994. His "Virtuist Manifesto" was named as one of the top ten manifestoes by

the curator of alt.usenet.manifestoes. For those that do not know, artist create manifestoes more
than politicians. It's a beautiful way to make a statement, much like the way Martin Luther
nailed his ideas in those documents on the Wittenberg door.
Here is the first page from our website on Virtuism.

Virtuism -- Philosophy and the Aesthetics of Virtue

Virtuism is about the aesthetics of human virtue, how virtuous acts produce in us the same experience as great works of art. Witnessing or creating a virtuous act produces the aesthetic experience. The giving of the good feeling of the aesthetic or "art" experience gives evidence that life has a higher meaning. The book "Virtuism -- Philosophy and the Aesthetics of Virtue" discusses other philosophical implications of this relationship.

This book explores how the universe acts in a way that is essentially "virtuous" towards us, in the long run, if we make an effort to act virtuous in it. The author started calling this philosophy Emotive Virtuism a few years ago because the idea of the emotional impact of human virtue played into philosophical questions very strongly. The author wanted to distance himself from the appearance of creating a simplistic philosophy because of the post-modernist critiques of narratives.

Virtuism started out as aesthetic theory and then moved into reflections about other areas of philosophy. The author did not purposefully intend to create an "ism" because he has a somewhat post-modernist idea about being wary of new narratives. The author states: "Since people are starting to use the word "virtuism" (found out by my doing a search on Google) with no connection to my writings (much like the alteration of the word "Surrealism" having nothing to do with Breton, the founder's, writings), I figured I had better formalize it the way I originally intended. because I have a certain idea about the philosophy of Virtuism."

Read our Press Release.

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"Like Tristan Tzara's Dada Manifestos and Andre Breton's Surrealist Manifestos, philosopher/artist Robert Pearson delivers a unique defining work for his Virtuism philosophy. Virtue is giving to others without expecting anything in return, acting from character, from who you are, not how you feel. I am a virtuist and am proud to consider myself a part of Pearson's Virtuism art movement. This book is a work of virtue and deserves a place of honor next to Tzara and Breton on my bookcase and yours too!" Billy Lamont -- http://www.billylamont.com/