Saint Thomas Aquinas on The Virtues
In this thought-provoking episode of the Catholic Frequency podcast, we dive into a deep conversation with biblical scholar and classic historian Imperator, exploring the timeless teachings of Saint Thomas Aquinas on the virtues. From the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance to the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, we unpack how these principles guide human flourishing and align with our ultimate purpose.
Notes
- Virtues are habituated acts that lead to human flourishing.
- Virtues align with our nature and direct us toward our telos (purpose).
- The four cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
- The theological virtues are faith, hope, and charity.
- Saint Thomas Aquinas synthesized Greco-Roman philosophy with Christian revelation.
- Aquinas' Summa Theologiae is a foundational text for Catholic theology and philosophy.
- Prudence is the "mother of all virtues," guiding practical wisdom.
- Justice involves rendering to others what they are due, including respect and fairness.
- Fortitude is the courage to face challenges and do what is right.
- Temperance is self-control and moderation in all things.
- Virtues are interconnected and must be practiced in harmony.
- Aquinas built on Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics to develop his virtue framework.
- The Catholic Church adopted the cardinal virtues from ancient philosophy.
- Virtues are essential for both natural and supernatural human flourishing.
- Liberation theology is evil--it conflates Christianity with Marxist class struggle.
- Tolerance is not a Christian virtue; evil actions should not be tolerated.
- Evil has no right to exist, even if it is framed as a "right" in modern discourse.
- Freedom is the ability to choose what is good, not the license to indulge in vice.
- Modern society often confuses values with virtues, leading to moral relativism.
- The decline of virtue in society contributes to cultural and moral decay.
- Natural virtues, like those found in Stoicism, prepare individuals for supernatural grace.
- The resurgence of interest in Stoicism and natural virtue may pave the way for a Christian revival.
- Patriotism is a virtue that flows from justice, as it involves rendering what is due to one's country.
- The Catholic Church's teachings on virtue provide a roadmap for personal and societal flourishing.
- There is a growing cultural shift toward natural virtue and a return to traditional values in the West.