Freedom and Virtues

Introduction to Virtues

Questions…

What are Virtues? What is the significance of each? Is there any relationship between

Freedom and Virtues?

Introduction to Virtues

A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good i.e.

habit of choosing

Virtues

Human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual

perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions, order our

passions and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They make possible ease and self-mastery and joy in leading a morally good life.

The virtuous man is he who freely practices the good.

Virtues

The moral virtues are acquired by human effort. They are the fruit and

seed of morally good acts. Augustine-virtues are ‘the rightness

and perfection of reason’

Virtues

According to Aristotle he divided virtues into intellectual (prudence) and moral (justice, temperance and fortitude). This are also known as

cardinal i.e. all other human virtues stem from them

Prudence (Sound judgment)

Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to

choose the right means of achieving it.

According to Thomas Aquinas, Prudence is “right reason in action.”

PrudencePrudence guides the other virtues by

setting rules and measures. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The

prudent person determines his conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this

virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and

overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.

Justice (Responsibility)

Refers to the choices we make in relation to our duties towards our

creator and others i.e. What is owed to others.

Justice

The Just person is distinguished by habitual right thinking, CLEAR

priorities and the uprightness of his conduct towards his neighbour (order

of love)

Fortitude (courage)

Refers to how well we manage our fears and reactions to external difficulties in the pursuit of worthwhile goals.

Temperance (self mastery)

It is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of

created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is

honourable. Refers to our choices of self management of our emotions

and passions.

Human Virtues:

Human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions, order our passions and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They make possible ease and self-mastery and joy in leading a morally good life. The virtuous man is he who freely practices the good.

Generosity:

The virtue that consists in freely giving to another more than is expected or necessary. It is the act of kindness towards another.

Order:

The virtue that ensures everything is in its correct place by observing the regulated laws and rules of arrangement and / or behaviour.

FRIENDS,FAMILY,SCHOOL/WORK,RELIGION(Whats your order)

Cheerfulness:

The virtue that disposes one to be noticeably happy and optimistic; to look at the bright side of life and to be pleasant to deal with.

Q.Why is it important????

Spirit of Service:

The virtue that consists in the inclination to provide or give assistance to someone whenever required. The inclination to assist at all times.

Q. How does it relate to a characteristic of the human person?

Humility:

The virtue that disposes one to have a modest view of one’s importance in terms of ones abilities or achievements.

Difference between humility and meekness.

The Six Pillars of Character

Respect Trustworthiness Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

How can one acquire virtues?

Human virtues can be acquired by education, by deliberate acts and by

a perseverance ever-renewed in repeated efforts. Virtues forge

character and facilitate the practice of the good. The virtuous person is

happy to practice the good.

Importance of Virtues

It is not easy for a person to maintain moral balance. One requires

perseverance in the pursuit of the virtues. Everyone should always

make an effort to follow the call to love what is good and shun what is

evil.

The more one does what is good, the freer one

becomes.

The End!!

Thank you!