Virtue theory, too, is tied up with the concept of welfare. Many virtues and vices have to do with benefit and harm, and these latter terms are just two of the many idioms of welfare. The virtue of beneficence is even etymologically tied to the former
idiom. Prudence, a traditional virtue, is cautious oversight of one’s own well-being. To exercise the virtue of charity is to bring goods to – i.e., to improve the welfare of – those in need. The vice of selfishness is excessive concern for one’s own welfare. Justice, the virtue, also requires reference to welfare in its analysis.