Moral Theology Quiz 5

According to Aquinas, prudence is located in the cognitive faculty (practical reason)

and not in the appetitive faculty (human will). While there are more than one reason

for this, please state the reason underlined in ST II-II q. 47, a. 1.

The reason for this is because prudence commands and has foresight, meaning it can direct choices through counsel.

Please provide an example to explain the distinction between someone who

possesses “imperfect prudence” and one who possesses “perfect prudence” (here

think about ST II-II, q. 47, a. 2).

Imperfect prudence means that you have prudence in some areas of your life but not all, while perfect prudence means that you have prudence in all areas of your life and can lead you to the Beatific Vision.

Example:

What does it mean to have “infused prudence”?

To have “infused prudence” means that God bestows the prudence on you

We agree that prudence rectifies the appetites, whereas art does not. Now, is it

true, objectively speaking, that some arts require or demand that you have the

virtue of prudence? Please provide an example for your answer.

yes it is true, an example is…

What is the relationship of synderesis to prudence?

prudence looks to what synderesis and applies it to a particular situation here and now (??)

When speaking of the cardinal virtues, we noted that they all have three parts:

integral, subjective, and potential. What does Aquinas mean by “integral parts” of a

cardinal virtue?

In order to have a particular virtue you need all integral parts because they make the virtue to be what it is.

What does Aquinas mean by “subjective parts” of a cardinal virtue?

They formally define the virtues, however they have distinct ends

What does Aquinas mean by “potential parts” of a cardinal virtue?

They don't have the full form or power of the virtue

What is the role or function of sagacity or shrewdness as an integral part of

prudence? Please provide an example for your answer.

Sagacity involves the ability to size up a situation quickly on ones own.

• Example: realizing you have an upcoming test and making the judgment that you need to start studying for it immediately

What is the role or function of circumspection as an integral part of prudence?

Please provide an example for your answer.

Circumspection allows one to look at the circumstances and not just the actions.

• Example:

What is the role or function of docility as an integral part of prudence? Please

provide an example for your answer.

Docility involve an openness to the advice and teachings of others (wise person)

• Example: being receptive to/following the guidance of a professor on how to complete an assignment

How is regnative prudence different from political prudence?

Regnative prudence concerns those ruling and administrating while political prudence concerns those subject to authorities

How is domestic prudence different from monastic prudence?

Domestic prudence involves the well-being of the family while monastic prudence involves one’s own well-being

How is synesis different from gnome?

Both help you to make good judgements, but synesis (judiciousness) helps you with ordinary matters and gnome (farsightedness) helps you with extraordinary matters.

Why are synesis, gnome, and euboulia not the essence of prudence?

Because they do not command, which is essential to prudence

What is the virtue of justice, in a very general sense?

Justice is a behavioral virtue, and directs human beings in their relations with one another.

What does Aquinas mean by “right” or “the just thing”?

The object of justice

What does Aquinas mean by “natural right”?

What is right or just by nature

What does Aquinas mean by “positive right”?

What is right or just according to either to private or public agreement.

State whether the following is True or False: positive rights are grounded in or

always have a reference to the natural law.

True (?)