Natural Virtue (Noun)
Meaning
(scholasticism) one of the four virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) derived from nature.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The concept of natural virtue was central to the philosophical framework of scholasticism, which emphasized the role of reason in understanding human nature.
- In the scholastic tradition, natural virtues such as prudence and temperance were seen as essential for achieving a life of moral excellence.
- The scholastics believed that natural virtues were inherent to human beings and could be cultivated through education and practice.
- Aquinas argued that natural virtues, including justice and fortitude, were necessary but not sufficient for achieving true moral virtue.
- The distinction between natural virtues and theological virtues was a key aspect of scholastic moral philosophy, with natural virtues being seen as derived from human nature rather than divine revelation.