Freedom and Virtues Introduction to Virtues

Questions… What are Virtues? What are Virtues? What is the significance of each? What is the significance of each? Is there any relationship between Freedom and Virtues? 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.”

Prudence Prudence 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,RELI GION(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 Respect Trustworthiness Trustworthiness Responsibility Responsibility Fairness Fairness Caring Caring Citizenship 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!