Dominic Andres (’24) on Imitation in the Moral Life

A member of Thomas Aquinas College’s newest graduating class, Dominic Andres (CA’24) appeared on Annunciation Press’s radio show The Virtuous Life last week to speak about his first published work, a philosophical essay on choosing virtuous role models.

Mr. Andres conceived the idea for his essay, Imitation in the Moral Life, while writing his Senior Thesis last year about the nature of music and how it imitates the passions. “I had the topic of imitation on my mind,” he says. “I knew I wanted to write something to be published that would be interesting to a lot of people, but still had a philosophical focus.”

Mr. Andres’ essay, which appears on Catholic Exchange, reflects primarily on how imitating virtuous role models leads to growth in virtue. “A man becomes virtuous not only by being told what virtue is but also by seeing it practiced (and practicing it himself),” writes Mr. Andres. “Role models make understandable, achievable, and desirable virtues which were previously obscure, difficult, and unpleasant.”

Intrigued by his treatment of imitation in art and virtue, “The Virtuous Life” host Patricia Oedy-Murray inquired about all aspects of the essay and asked Mr. Andres to delve deeper into many of the ideas presented. They discussed the difference between good and bad imitations of creation, how virtues may be observed in anyone, and the easiest path to growing in virtue by imitation. 

“The best way to learn virtue is to surround yourself with it as much as possible,” advises Mr. Andres on the show. “It is best to surround yourself with good people and activities geared toward virtue. Make the majority of what you do the pursuit of excellence, whether that be in academics, sports, or media consumption.”