Cardinal virtues

The cardinal virtues are four virtues of mind and character in both classical philosophy and Christian theology. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. They form a virtue theory of ethics. The term cardinal comes from the Latin cardo (hinge);^[1] these four virtues are called “cardinal” because all other virtues fall under them and hinge upon them.^[2]

These virtues derive initially from Plato in Republic Book IV, 426-435.^[a] Aristotle expounded them systematically in the Nicomachean Ethics. They were also recognized by the Stoics and Cicero expanded on them. In the Christian tradition, they are also listed in the Deuterocanonical books in Wisdom of Solomon 8:7 and 4 Maccabees 1:18–19, and the Doctors Ambrose, Augustine, and Aquinas^[3] expounded their supernatural counterparts, the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity.

(φρόνησις, phrónēsis; Latin: prudentia; also Wisdom, sophia, sapientia), the ability to discern the appropriate course of action to be taken in a given situation at the appropriate time, with consideration of potential consequences; Cautiousness.

Prudence

(δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosýnē; Latin: iustitia): also considered as fairness;^[4] the Greek word also having the meaning righteousness

Justice

(ἀνδρεία, andreía; Latin: fortitudo): forbearance, strength, endurance, fortitude (patience and perseverance), dedication and the ability to confront fear, uncertainty, and intimidation(bravery, boldness, valor, daring). Notably, ἀνδρεία, being closely related to ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός, could also be translated "manliness". Some other definitions of courage are "Andrea, virtus, spirit, heart, mettle, thumos, tenacity, gameness, resolution, bravery, boldness, valor, daring, hardihood, assertiveness, frame, gravitas, determination".

Courage

(σωφροσύνη, sōphrosýnē; Latin: temperantia): also known as restraint, the practice of self-control, abstention, discretion, and moderation tempering the appetition. Plato considered sōphrosynē, which may also be translated as sound-mindedness, to be the most important virtue. σωφροσύνη was often used in reference to drinking and "knowing the right amount" to avoid belligerence.

Temperance

Contemporary thought[edit]

Jesuit scholars Daniel J. Harrington and James F. Keenan, in their Paul and Virtue Ethics (2010), argue for seven "new virtues" to replace the classical cardinal virtues in complementing the three theological virtues, mirroring the seven earlier proposed in Bernard Lonergan's Method in Theology (1972): "be humble, be hospitable, be merciful, be faithful, reconcile, be vigilant, and be reliable".^[18]

– Fresco by Raphael

Cardinal and Theological Virtues (Raphael)

– Cultivation of habits important for the success of the community

Civic virtue

– Set of vices in Christian theology

Seven deadly sins

– Seven virtues in Christian tradition

Seven virtues

– Christian ethics

Theological virtues

Rickaby, John (1913). . In Herbermann, Charles (ed.). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.