Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Virtue ethics (also aretaic ethics, [a] [1] from Greek ἀρετή []) is a philosophical approach that treats virtue and character as the primary subjects of ethics, in contrast to other ethical systems that put consequences of voluntary acts, principles or rules of conduct, or obedience to divine authority in the primary role.
Cardinal and Theological Virtues a 1511 portrait by Raphael. A virtue (Latin: virtus) is a trait of excellence, including traits that may be moral, social, or intellectual.. The cultivation and refinement of virtue is held to be the "good of humanity" and thus is valued as an end purpose of life or a foundational principle of be
The capital vices of lust and avarice, for instance, contrast with the remedial virtues of chastity and generosity, respectively, rather than with any theological or cardinal virtue; conversely, the virtues of hope and prudence are opposed to despair and foolishness rather than to any deadly sin. Medieval moral authors were well aware of the fact.
The seven capital virtues or seven lively virtues (also known as the contrary or remedial virtues) [8] are those thought to stand in opposition to the seven capital vices (or deadly sins). Prudentius , writing in the 5th century, was the first author to allegorically represent Christian morality as a struggle between seven sins and seven virtues.
His phrase for excellences of character – êthikai aretai – we usually translate as moral virtue or moral excellence. When we speak of a moral virtue or an excellence of character, the emphasis is on the combination of qualities that make an individual the sort of ethically admirable person that he is. [8]
Like many ethicists, Aristotle regards excellent activity as pleasurable for the man of virtue. For example, Aristotle thinks that the man whose appetites are in the correct order takes pleasure in acting moderately. Aristotle emphasized that virtue is practical, and that the purpose of ethics is to become good, not merely to know.
"Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods." [21] The Old Testament emphasizes temperance as a core virtue, as evidenced in the Book of Proverbs.
The distinction lies both in their source and end. The moral virtue of temperance recognizes food as a good that sustains life, but guards against the sin of gluttony. The infused virtue of temperance disposes the individual to practice fasting and abstinence. The infused moral virtues are connected to the theological virtue of Charity. [16] [14]