Virtue- habit of performing excellent, noteworthy and  Passive Function- strengthens the human

positive behaviors. person to bear difficulties and trails

- Came from the Latin word virtus (signifies
manliness or courage)
 Virtue is a good habit consonant with human
nature (Saint Augustine of Hippo)
THREE IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF VIRTUE:
1. Habit- constant/ consistent performance
2. Goodness- actions should gear towards the
attainment of the good
3. Human nature- becoming righteous by using
one’s intellect and will properly
CLASSIFICATION OF VIRTUES:
Cardinal Virtues- these virtues are within the domain of
human efforts
- They are achieved, through the grace of God
1. Prudence- the knowledge of what is sought and
what is to be avoided.
- Habit of practical reason which enables one to
judge promptly on particular cases or
contingent actions on what is to be done or
omitted
- the person’s actions or plans will generally if not
always produce a good outcome
- will always lead to harmonious relationships
- this virtue allows a Christian to judge properly
what is right or wrong, moral or immoral,
beneficial or disadvantageous in any given
situation
CHARACTERISTICS WHICH ARE EXPECTED FROM A
PERSON WHO POSSESSES THE VIRTUE OF
PRUDENCE:
a. Practical memory
b. Practical understanding
c. Docility
d. Ingenuity
e. Foresight
f. Circumspection
g. Caution
TWO VALUES:
Patience- waits for the right way and the right
time to act
Perseverance- overcoming a great challenge for
a long period of time
3. Temperance- moderates the attraction of
pleasures and provides balance in the use of
created goods
- virtue that regulates the desire for sensible
pleasures and approves modes of social
behavior
 if the sense of taste, eating and drinking,
smelling and touching and sexual powers are
not ordered and controlled by reason, they will
put the human person on the same footing with
animals
 Chastity or purity- moral virtue ordering under
reason the thoughts, desires, words and actions
connected with sexual pleasures
 Sobriety- moderation in sensual pleasures
 Abstinence- restraining
4. Justice- concept of equality
 “Giving what is due”- it is equity rather than
equality
 Jesus is the model of justice

2. Fortitude or Courage- in the midst of trials,

strong temptations and great challenges, this
virtue is needed
- enables one to endure pain, danger and death
with calmness of reason
2 FUNCTIONS:
 Active Function- impels the human person to
attack or face evil