Episode 1493: Summa Theologica - Part II - Vice and Virtues

Virtues:

Definition: Virtues, according to Aquinas, are habitual and stable dispositions of the soul that incline a person toward good and right action. They are qualities that enable individuals to act in ways that are morally commendable.

Classification of Virtues:

Cardinal Virtues: Aquinas identifies four cardinal virtues, which he considers foundational to a virtuous life:

Prudence (Prudentia): This virtue involves practical wisdom and the ability to make sound decisions based on moral principles. It enables individuals to discern what is right and apply moral principles to specific situations.
Justice (Iustitia): Justice involves giving each person their due, treating others with fairness and equity. It encompasses both social justice (fairness in society) and individual justice (fairness in personal relationships).
Fortitude (Fortitudo): Also known as courage, fortitude is the virtue that enables individuals to face difficulties, challenges, and even danger with inner strength and resolve.
Temperance (Temperantia): Temperance involves the moderation of desires and appetites, particularly those related to pleasure. It helps individuals avoid excesses and maintain self-control.
Theological Virtues: Aquinas also discusses three theological virtues, which are infused in the soul by God and have God as their object:
Faith (Fides): Faith involves believing in God and accepting divine revelation. It is a gift from God that enables individuals to accept truths about God and the Christian faith.
Hope (Spes): Hope is the confident expectation of God's help and grace, leading individuals to trust in God's promises for salvation and eternal life.
Charity (Caritas or Love): Charity is the highest of the theological virtues. It involves the love of God above all things and the love of neighbor for the sake of God.

Vices:
Definition: Vices are contrary dispositions to virtues. They are habitual inclinations toward actions that are morally wrong or harmful. Vices lead individuals away from the path of moral goodness.

Classification of Vices:
Seven Deadly Sins: Aquinas is often associated with the classification of the seven deadly sins, which are considered particularly destructive vices: PEWSLGG
1. Pride (Superbia): Excessive self-love and an inflated sense of one's own importance.
2. Greed (Avaritia): Excessive desire for material wealth and possessions.
3. Wrath (Ira): Uncontrolled anger and a desire for vengeance.
4. Envy (Invidia): Resentment and discontentment at the success or good fortune of others.
5. Gluttony (Gula): Overindulgence in food or drink, often to the point of excess.
6. Lust (Luxuria): Inordinate desire for sexual pleasure, especially outside the bounds of moral and marital relationships.
7. Sloth (Acedia): Spiritual apathy or neglect of one's duties and responsibilities.

Contrasting Virtues and Vices: Virtues and vices are opposed to each other. For example, the virtue of temperance opposes the vice of gluttony, while the virtue of fortitude opposes the vice of cowardice.
Contrasting virtues and vices refer to the opposing moral qualities or dispositions that shape human behavior. These virtues and vices are fundamentally different in nature and lead individuals towards either morally commendable actions (virtues) or morally objectionable actions (vices). Here are some examples of contrasting virtues and vices:

Prudence (Virtue) vs. Folly (Vice):

Prudence is the virtue of practical wisdom and sound judgment. It involves the ability to make correct decisions based on moral principles and a good understanding of the situation.
Folly is the vice of lacking good judgment and making unwise decisions. It often involves acting impulsively without considering the consequences.

Justice (Virtue) vs. Injustice (Vice):
Justice is the virtue of giving each person what is due to them. It involves fairness, equity, and respect for the rights and dignity of others. Injustice is the vice of violating the rights of others, often through actions such as theft, deceit, or discrimination.

Fortitude (Virtue) vs. Cowardice (Vice):
Fortitude is the virtue of courage and strength of character. It involves facing difficulties, challenges, and even danger with inner resolve and confidence.
Cowardice is the vice of lacking courage and succumbing to fear in the face of adversity. It often leads to avoidance or retreat from difficult situations.

Temperance (Virtue) vs. Intemperance (Vice):
Temperance is the virtue of moderation and self-control. It involves regulating desires and appetites, particularly those related to pleasure.
Intemperance is the vice of excess and lack of self-control. It often leads to overindulgence in pleasures such as food, drink, or entertainment.

Faith (Virtue) vs. Doubt (Vice):
Faith is the theological virtue of believing in God and accepting divine revelation. It involves trust in God's promises and truths.
Doubt is the vice of uncertainty or lack of belief, especially in matters of faith and religion. It can lead to skepticism or a rejection of religious beliefs.

Hope (Virtue) vs. Despair (Vice):
Hope is the theological virtue of confident expectation in God's help and grace. It involves trust in God's promises for salvation and eternal life.
Despair is the vice of losing hope and giving in to feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. It can lead to a sense of futility and resignation.

Charity (Virtue) vs. Hatred (Vice):
Charity (or Love) is the theological virtue of loving God above all things and loving one's neighbor for the sake of God. It involves selfless, sacrificial love.
Hatred is the vice of harboring strong feelings of hostility, animosity, or ill will towards others. It is characterized by a lack of love and goodwill.
Generosity (Virtue) vs. Greed (Vice):
Generosity is the virtue of being generous, open-handed, and willing to share one's resources or time with others in need.
Greed is the vice of excessive and insatiable desire for wealth or material possessions, often at the expense of others.

These contrasting virtues and vices provide a framework for evaluating human behavior and character. Virtues are seen as commendable qualities that lead to moral excellence, while vices are seen as harmful dispositions that lead individuals away from the path of moral goodness. Cultivating virtues and avoiding vices is central to Aquinas's ethical framework and the pursuit of human flourishing.

Formation and Development: Aquinas emphasizes that virtues are developed through habituation and practice. By consistently choosing virtuous actions, individuals cultivate virtuous habits, which in turn strengthen their moral character.
Habituation: Aquinas emphasizes that virtues are not innate qualities, but rather they are developed through habituation. This means that virtues are acquired over time through repeated virtuous actions. By consistently choosing to act in morally commendable ways, individuals develop virtuous habits.

Repetition of Virtuous Acts: Virtuous behavior is not a one-time event but a consistent pattern of actions. Aquinas argues that by repeatedly choosing to do what is morally right, individuals strengthen their inclination towards virtuous actions. This repetition forms the foundation of virtuous character.

Education and Training: Aquinas acknowledges the role of education and training in the formation of virtues. He suggests that individuals can be guided and taught in moral matters, which contributes to the development of virtuous habits. Education provides individuals with the knowledge and guidance needed to make morally upright choices.

Moral Exemplars: Aquinas believes that observing and emulating virtuous individuals can be instrumental in the formation of virtues. By witnessing the actions of virtuous role models, individuals can learn and internalize virtuous behavior. This is especially important in the early stages of moral development.

Integration with Reason: Virtuous behavior is closely tied to the rational faculties of the human person. Aquinas argues that virtues involve the right use of reason in guiding actions. As individuals develop their capacity for moral reasoning, they become better equipped to make virtuous choices.

Avoiding Contrary Actions (Vices): Alongside the cultivation of virtues, Aquinas emphasizes the importance of avoiding contrary actions or vices. By consciously avoiding actions that lead away from virtue, individuals reinforce their commitment to virtuous living.

Grace and Divine Assistance: While Aquinas acknowledges the role of human effort in the formation of virtues, he also emphasizes the importance of divine grace. Grace, in Aquinas's theology, refers to the assistance and influence of God in the moral and spiritual development of individuals. Divine grace strengthens and supports human efforts in the pursuit of virtue.

Steady Progress: Aquinas recognizes that the development of virtues is a gradual process. It requires perseverance and a commitment to ongoing moral growth. As individuals continue to make virtuous choices, they progress in their moral development and cultivate a more virtuous character.

Practical Application: Aquinas encourages individuals to actively engage in situations that require moral discernment and action. By applying moral principles to real-life situations, individuals have the opportunity to practice and reinforce virtuous behavior.

Self-Reflection and Examination of Conscience: Aquinas suggests that individuals should engage in self-reflection and examination of conscience. This involves evaluating one's actions in light of moral principles and considering areas for improvement in virtuous living.

In summary, Aquinas's views on the formation and development of virtues emphasize the importance of habituation, education, moral exemplars, and divine assistance. Virtuous character is built through the repeated practice of virtuous actions, the avoidance of vices, and the integration of reason in moral decision-making. By actively engaging in the process of moral growth, individuals strive towards the ultimate fulfillment of their human nature.

Moral Growth: Aquinas believes that individuals have the capacity to grow in virtue and overcome vices. This growth involves the continual effort to align one's actions with moral principles and the pursuit of the highest good, which is union with God.
Progressive Development: Aquinas sees moral growth as a progressive and ongoing process. It involves a series of steps and stages in which individuals gradually improve their moral character. As individuals consistently choose virtuous actions, they become more disposed towards acting in morally commendable ways.

Formation of Virtuous Habits: Central to moral growth is the formation of virtuous habits. These are stable dispositions of the soul that incline individuals towards good and right action. Through repeated practice of virtuous behavior, these habits become ingrained in one's character, making virtuous actions more natural and spontaneous.

Cultivation of Virtues: Moral growth requires the intentional cultivation of specific virtues. Aquinas identifies virtues such as prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance as foundational to a virtuous life. By focusing on the development of these virtues, individuals shape their character in a way that leads to moral excellence.

Consistent Practice: Moral growth is contingent on consistent and deliberate practice of virtuous actions. It involves making conscious choices to act in ways that are in line with moral principles. By doing so, individuals reinforce their commitment to moral living and contribute to the strengthening of virtuous character.

Avoidance of Vices: In addition to cultivating virtues, moral growth necessitates the avoidance of vices. This involves consciously refraining from actions that lead away from virtue. By recognizing and resisting temptations towards morally objectionable behavior, individuals protect and nurture their developing virtuous character.

Reflection and Examination: Aquinas encourages individuals to engage in self-reflection and examination of conscience. This involves evaluating one's actions in light of moral principles and considering areas for improvement. Through introspection, individuals can identify areas in which they need to focus their efforts for moral growth.

Integration with Reason: Moral growth is closely tied to the rational faculties of the human person. Aquinas emphasizes the importance of using reason to guide one's actions towards the morally right course. As individuals develop their capacity for moral reasoning, they become better equipped to make virtuous choices.

Grace and Divine Assistance: Aquinas acknowledges the role of divine grace in the process of moral growth. Grace, in Aquinas's theology, refers to the assistance and influence of God in the moral and spiritual development of individuals. Divine grace strengthens and supports human efforts in the pursuit of virtue.

Lifelong Endeavor: Moral growth is a lifelong endeavor. It requires sustained commitment and perseverance in the pursuit of moral excellence. As individuals progress in their moral development, they continue to refine and strengthen their virtuous character.

In summary, Aquinas's views on moral growth emphasize the deliberate cultivation of virtuous habits, the consistent practice of virtuous actions, and the avoidance of vices. This process involves self-reflection, integration with reason, and an openness to divine assistance. Through moral growth, individuals strive towards the fulfillment of their human nature and the attainment of true happiness.
In summary, Aquinas's understanding of virtues and vices provides a framework for evaluating human behavior and character. Virtues are stable dispositions that lead to morally commendable actions, while vices are contrary dispositions that lead to morally wrong actions. Through the cultivation of virtues and the avoidance of vices, individuals strive for moral excellence and the ultimate fulfillment of their human nature.