Theological and Cardinal Virtues Flashcards

The cardinal virtue of prudence (phronesis) is considered the 'charioteer of virtues' because:

Answer: It governs the right application of all other virtues to concrete situations

Prudence is practical wisdom — it determines what the other virtues require in each specific situation, directing justice, fortitude, and temperance toward right action.

In Aquinas's framework, the theological virtue of hope differs from natural optimism in that it:

Answer: Has God himself as its object and ground — trust in God's promises of eternal life

Theological hope has God's promises and power as its foundation — it is trust in God's fidelity to bring believers to eternal life, not merely optimistic disposition.

The cardinal virtue of temperance is primarily concerned with:

Answer: Moderating desire for sensory pleasures in accordance with reason and faith

Temperance (sophrosyne) moderates the appetite for pleasures — especially food, drink, and sexuality — keeping them within the bounds of reason and appropriate to human dignity.

What distinguishes 'acquired' virtues from 'infused' virtues in Catholic moral theology?

Answer: Acquired virtues are developed through repeated practice; infused virtues are gifts of grace directly given by God

Acquired virtues develop through habituation and practice (Aristotle's model); infused virtues — including the theological virtues — are gracious gifts from God that exceed natural human capacity.

The virtue of justice in Catholic moral theology is defined as:

Answer: Giving to each person what is rightfully due to them

Justice (iustitia) is the stable disposition to give each person and God what is rightfully owed to them — in social, commutative, and distributive relationships.

In Catholic teaching, the virtue of charity (agape) is called 'the form of all virtues' because:

Answer: Charity gives all other virtues their ultimate direction and perfection toward God and neighbor

Charity is 'the bond of perfection' (Col 3:14) and the 'form' of all virtues — it directs and gives ultimate meaning to every other virtue's exercise, orienting all to love of God and neighbor.