Is Magnificence a Religious Virtue?

Magnificence, a virtue concerned with extravagant spending, features prominently in classical philosophy. However, in modern times magnificence has dropped out of favour. Maybe it seems elitist, accessible only to affluent individuals. Maybe it is too easily confused with vulgar displays of wealth. Maybe it seems at odds with justice: can it be right to spend big on a beautiful building or a lavish party, when people in poverty lack basic necessities? In considering these questions, Professor Carlisle will suggest that magnificence is essentially concerned with the place of beauty in our lives. Cultivating this virtue requires the capacity to appreciate life’s value and significance, and to express this in visible, shareable ways. Properly understanding magnificence – and its difficulty – helps to illuminate the nature of religious life.