Michael Brooks
The four cardinal virtues are the principal virtues upon which Christian morality rests, and all other moral virtues hinge on them. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These virtues are fundamental to leading a moral life and achieving self-mastery, honouring God's will, and allowing us to live in union with those around us.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Cardinal Virtue | Prudence |
| Second Cardinal Virtue | Justice |
| Third Cardinal Virtue | Fortitude |
| Fourth Cardinal Virtue | Temperance |
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What You'll Learn
- Prudence: the ability to discern the correct course of action and prevent impulsive decisions
- Justice: giving everyone their rightful due, regardless of personal feelings
- Fortitude: courage in the face of obstacles, but always reasoned and reasonable
- Temperance: restraint of desires and passions to avoid excess and achieve balance
- Cardinal Virtues: the four fundamental virtues upon which all other virtues hinge
Prudence: the ability to discern the correct course of action and prevent impulsive decisions
The four cardinal virtues are the principal virtues upon which Christian morality rests, and all other moral virtues hinge on these four: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These virtues are derived from Greek Socratic thought and, in Christianity, through a theological examination of the eight beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount.
Prudence is the virtue that allows one to discern the correct course of action and prevent impulsive decisions. It is a strength within the virtue category of temperance, which is one of the six cardinal virtues that subcategorize the 24 character strengths. Prudence is often referred to as cautious wisdom, practical wisdom, and practical reason. It is a way of thinking that supports individuals in making positive choices that lead to meaningful goals and help them avoid regret.
St. Thomas Aquinas described three functions to prudence: to identify potential courses of action in a given situation, to weigh each option to judge which is best, and then to carry out that action. A prudent person will take the time to consider all possible options and their outcomes. They will also pray for guidance and seek counsel from others while carefully weighing the guidance. This virtue helps one to reflect and consider the effects that their words and actions can produce, and this translates into knowing how to act correctly in any circumstance.
Prudence can be assessed through responses to the VIA Survey, which evaluates how often and how naturally one uses this strength in daily life. It is a strength of restraint, where one is careful about their choices, stopping and thinking before acting. It is also associated with productivity and the ability to be conscientious. This strength helps one to feel more in control, especially in moments of doubt or fear, and allows them to make decisions that support their values and long-term goals.
However, it is important to note that prudence can become a barrier if overused. Excessive caution may lead to indecisiveness or missed opportunities. The key is to find a balanced expression of the strength that supports action without reckless risk-taking.
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Justice: giving everyone their rightful due, regardless of personal feelings
The four cardinal virtues are the principal virtues upon which Christian morality rests, and all other virtues hinge on these four: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Justice, the second cardinal virtue, is about giving everyone their rightful due, regardless of personal feelings.
Justice is a central part of ethics and should be given due consideration in our moral lives. It is an expression of our mutual recognition of each other's basic dignity and an acknowledgment that, to live together in an interdependent community, we must treat each other as equals. This means that our actions must treat all persons equally. If not, we must determine whether the difference in treatment is justified. Are the criteria we are using relevant to the situation at hand?
Justice is connected to the idea of rights. While we often use justice in a negative sense ("He got what he deserved"), justice in its proper sense is positive. Injustice occurs when we as individuals or by law deprive someone of that which they are owed. Legal rights can never outweigh natural ones. Justice is blind, and it should not matter what we think of a particular person. If we owe them a debt, we must repay exactly what we owe.
Justice is a matter of obligation for the agent dispensing it, and that agent wrongs the recipient if they are denied what is due to them. It is a characteristic mark of justice that the obligations it creates should be enforceable. We can be made to deliver what is due to others as a matter of justice, either by the recipients themselves or by third parties.
The practice of the cardinal virtues is a lifelong pursuit, and we will inevitably fail from time to time. However, prayer and participation in the sacraments are key ingredients to growing in virtue.
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Fortitude: courage in the face of obstacles, but always reasoned and reasonable
The four cardinal virtues are the principal virtues upon which Christian morality rests, and all other moral virtues hinge on them. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Fortitude, or courage, is ranked as the third cardinal virtue by St. Thomas Aquinas.
Fortitude allows us to overcome fear and remain resolute in our will in the face of obstacles. However, it is always reasoned and reasonable. The person exercising fortitude does not seek danger for its own sake but is willing to put themselves in danger if necessary. Fortitude serves a higher purpose, giving strength to those upholding the Christian faith. It is the virtue that helps us stand up for what is right, even when others disagree or find it outdated.
Fortitude is a virtue that allows us to endure suffering and face inevitable hardships and obstacles with courage. It helps us to cope with adversity, poverty, and loss, and to cultivate the Christian virtues that allow us to rise above the basic requirements of Christianity. Martyrdom is an example of fortitude as a gift of the Holy Spirit, where one's love for God and others, and their determination to do what is right, supersede their fear of death.
Practically, fortitude can be developed by reading good stories with virtuous characters. This allows us to walk in the shoes of others and practice being brave in a safe environment. It also helps us to understand and encourage the men in our lives and provides positive role models for our children.
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Temperance: restraint of desires and passions to avoid excess and achieve balance
The cardinal virtue of temperance is about finding balance and practicing self-control. It is a virtue that encourages the individual to moderate their desires and passions, avoiding excess and maintaining a healthy, balanced approach to life. This virtue is often seen as a form of self-regulation, where one recognizes the potential harm that can come from giving into every whim or desire. Temperance is not about denying oneself all pleasures or comforts, but rather about exercising restraint and ensuring that one's actions and behaviors are aligned with one's values and long-term well-being.
In the Catholic tradition, temperance is one of the four cardinal virtues, along with prudence, justice, and fortitude. These virtues are considered fundamental to moral theology and are believed to be essential for living a virtuous life. Temperance is often associated with the idea of moderation in all things, and it is seen as a way to avoid the extremes of self-indulgence and asceticism. By practicing temperance, individuals can strive for a life of virtue and avoid the vices of excess.
Practicing temperance involves recognizing and controlling one's desires and passions. This includes regulating one's appetite for food, drink, and other physical pleasures, as well as emotional and spiritual desires. For example, a person practicing temperance may choose to eat and drink in moderation, avoiding gluttony and overindulgence. They may also practice self-control in their emotional responses, avoiding anger, lust, or envy, and instead cultivating calmness and emotional balance.
Temperance can also be applied to one's use of time and resources. It involves allocating one's time and energy in a balanced manner, ensuring that all areas of life are given attention and care. This may mean setting boundaries and limits on certain activities or behaviors that could become excessive or addictive, such as gambling, shopping, or social media use. By practicing temperance, individuals can avoid the negative consequences that often arise from unrestrained desires and passions.
The virtue of temperance is often associated with several benefits, including improved self-control, better decision-making, and a sense of calm and balance in life. Individuals who cultivate temperance may find that they are better able to resist temptations and that they have a stronger sense of self-discipline. They may also experience improved physical health, as temperance often involves making healthy choices regarding food, drink, and physical activity. Additionally, temperance can lead to improved relationships, as self-control and emotional balance can foster more harmonious interactions with others.
In conclusion, temperance is a cardinal virtue that encourages individuals to practice self-control and find balance in their desires and passions. It is about avoiding excess and maintaining a moderate, virtuous path that aligns with one's values and promotes long-term well-being. By recognizing the potential harm that can come from unrestrained desires, individuals can cultivate emotional, physical, and spiritual balance through the practice of temperance. This virtue continues to guide Catholics and provide a framework for moral decision-making and a virtuous life.
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Cardinal Virtues: the four fundamental virtues upon which all other virtues hinge
The four cardinal virtues are the fundamental virtues upon which all other virtues are built. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These virtues are derived from the Latin word 'cardo', meaning 'hinge', and are the basis of Christian morality.
Prudence is considered the "mother" of all virtues, as it is the virtue that allows a person to recognise their moral duty and the good means to accomplish it. A prudent person will take the time to consider all possible options and their outcomes, seeking guidance and counsel from others, and will always act in a good way.
Justice is concerned with the will and is about giving everyone their rightful due. It is connected to the idea of rights and should be blind, meaning it should not matter what we think of a particular person.
Fortitude is commonly referred to as courage. It allows us to overcome fear and remain steadfast in our will, even in the face of obstacles. It is the only cardinal virtue that is also a gift of the Holy Spirit, allowing Christians to rise above their natural fears in defence of their faith.
Temperance is the virtue of restraint, keeping us from excess and helping us to balance our legitimate desires against our inordinate desires. It is the virtue that attempts to preserve us, while intemperance degrades and destroys us.
The practice of these virtues helps to forge a Christian character and motivate a person to become God-like. They are achieved through human will and effort and help us to lead moral lives, giving honour to God's will.
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Frequently asked questions
The four cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
A virtue is a habit or disposition that inclines a person to do good and avoid evil. The four cardinal virtues are the principal virtues upon which Christian morality rests, and all other moral virtues hinge on them.
Prudence is the virtue by which a person recognizes their moral duty and the good means to accomplish it. It is the "mother" of all virtues and is part of the definition of goodness.
Fortitude is the virtue by which a person exhibits courage and endures suffering. It allows us to overcome fear and remain steadfast in our will in the face of obstacles.
