Cardinal Virtues

The moral virtues were the subject of our last post. If intellectual virtues perfect the intellect, the moral virtues perfect the appetite, whether rational or sensitive. The passions or emotions are real elements in the moral life, not to be degraded or rejected but integrated into the complete moral picture. True, they are a function…

Moral Virtues

Last time, we discussed the so-called intellectual virtues, those habits that perfect the speculative intellect (understanding, knowledge, and wisdom), and those that perfect the practical intellect (art and prudence). It makes sense that we need such virtues, since the intellect is manifestly of supreme importance in human life and activity. But what about the moral…

Intellectual Virtues

Intellectual Virtues We saw last time that St. Thomas divides virtues into intellectual and moral. He does this because human beings have two principles of action: the intellect and the appetite. Let’s start with the intellectual virtues. The intellect is that which is highest in man. It should go without saying, then, that we need…

Why Virtue?

Why virtue? Now that we have a working definition of virtue as a good habit, a habit being a stable disposition to act in a certain way, why is virtue so important in the moral life? After all, ideas about virtue and character may seem rather outdated. When was the last time you heard voices…

What is Virtue?

What is Virtue? We all pursue some excellence, whether bodily, intellectual, or moral. Or, if we succumb to the complacency and lethargy so characteristic of our age, we at least recognize these excellences in others. Consider the professional baseball player. One who has achieved excellence in baseball hits the ball well, runs quickly and efficiently,…