By Paul Dion, STLThis one will take us down a rather interesting theological and philosophical road.
"What is Virtue?"
Tell us what you feel about this question from deep in your heart. Share your thoughts with us. If you feel too shy to post your name, you can sign it Anonymous.
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Virtue is consistently doing something that you know is right despite all the temptations to the wrong thing. At least that's what I think. I love your burning questions.
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ReplyDeleteBy Paul Dion, STL
Sept. 13, 2006
Wow! I stumped all of you! Not even the greatest of all "Googlers" came up with more comments. It is a sign that the question was out of your league.
I therefore will not bore you with a long harangue concerning the technicalities of the question. I will just plant some seeds in your hearts and souls and leave the rest up to your meditation.
Virtues are habits. They are interior energy forces that drive us to behave well. They are not secondary to exterior stimuli. Here is a quick overview of the structure of the traditional theological understanding of Virtue.
Intellectual Virtues:
Art: The right method with regard to production
Prudence: The right method of human conduct
Moral Virtues:
Justice: Regulates human inter-relations
Temperance: Regulates the control of personal behavior
Fortitude: Regulates behavior with regards moral strength and courage
Theological Virtues:
These virtues are unconditional gifts from God which have Him as their direct object.
They are : FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.
These "habits" come from Him directly and regulate our behavior back to Him, either directly or indirectly.
Lastly, virtues are forces, habits, which regulate our behavior to stay within the limits of right behavior, both to the right and to the left. Virtuous behavior is "median" behavior. It takes place in the mid-range area between excess and deprivation or deficit.
Having said this, it should be clear to you that virtue is the regulator of passion, both for the good and for the evil. Virtue is an interior, source habit while passion is a responding emotion.
It should also be clear to you now what the name of the opposite of virtue is. Please let me know by naming it and by commenting on it.
Peace and joy to you all.
I will take a stab at your chal;enge to name the opposite of Virtue. Is it "Sin?"
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