Untitled Flashcards Set

Cardinal virtues

Natural virtues that are the source of all other virtues, also called moral virtues.

What does justice mean?

The habit of giving God and neighbor what we owe them, what they deserve by right.

Fortitude

Strength and courage to do the right thing.

Temperance

Habit of controlling our desires and enjoying goods in moderation.

Prudence

Habit of wise decision-making that governs all other virtues.

Natural law

A moral law that can be known through reason and experience, guiding how to be good human beings.

Three elements of a moral act

Object (the action), Intention (the motive), Circumstances (secondary factors).

Eternal Law

Rooted in the wisdom of God, it is the foundation of all other laws and is perfect.

True freedom

The power rooted in reason and will to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility.

Relationship between law and freedom

Laws provide guidance to help us know and choose the good, thus increasing our freedom.

Example of natural law

The Golden Rule, which expresses dignity and guides our relationships.

Original Sin

The act of deliberately disobeying God, seeking equality with Him, which affects our ability to discern good and evil.

Civil Law

Application of natural law for the members of a particular society.

Church Law

Precepts of the Church which are minimal obligations that Catholics must follow.

What is the purpose of morality?

To discover what is good according to God's law.

The significance of prudence

Prudence helps our intellects know what the good is and the best way to achieve it.

How are virtues acquired?

By education, deliberate acts, and repeated practice.

What did St. Thomas Aquinas say law is?

An ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the one in charge of the community.

How is freedom paradoxical?

True freedom deliberately limits itself to choosing the good.

Moral truth

Objective truth that we discover, not something we decide for ourselves.

Example of fortitude

Standing up for what is right in difficult situations.

Example of temperance

Moderating alcohol consumption to avoid getting drunk.