One difficulty with 'principles' is how useful they are in the face of complex moral dilemmas. They are helpful as far as they go, but are sometimes too abstract and general to help in sorting out complex moral questions....
We need not so much to establish a set of abstract principles as to cultivate the kind of character that will act wisely and justly in different situations -- a bit like developing the skill to hit a good tennis shot, whatever angle or speed the ball may be hit towards you....
Virtues are learnt in the same way in which we mostly learn to play football, dance, carve wood or cook --through example and imitation, not logic and principles. We watch those who are already good at these things, experience a desire to be like them, and so we start to copy them. A person of virtue does not have to think too hard about doing the right thing; he or she will do it naturally, without thinking....
The other key point...essential to the cultivation of virtue is the telling of stories.

Graham Tomlin. SPIRITUAL FITNESS: CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN A CONSUMER CULTURE.