ARTICLE 12

Whether the virtues are correctly distinguished.

1. Objections: It would seem that they are not:

 a. There is only one virtue, because

  (1) there is only one end to which

          virtue is ordered    obj. 1 and 2.

  (2) there is only one soul or subject

          of virtue      obj. 3.

 b. The number of virtues does not exceed

    the number of the soul's powers   obj. 4 and 5.

 c. The theological virtues are superfluous

    or are incorrectly distinguished  obj. 6 to 12.

 d. The moral and intellectual virtues are

    not correctly distinguished   obj. 13 to 15, 18.

 e. The moral virtues are not distinct from

    prudence.       obj. 16-17, 19-21.

 f. The virtues are unnecessarily

    distinguished from each other   obj. 22 and 23.

 g. The cardinal virtues are not correctly

    distinguished      obj. 24 to 27.

2. On the contrary

The authority of Scripture, where both the theological and the moral virtues are clearly distinguished.

3. Body

 a. The virtues will be distinguished according to the diverse kinds of human or rational good.

 b. This good will be of both the:

  (1) appetitive powers: formally, for good is the object of the appetite. This good will be found in three types of matter or objects:

   (a) the passions of the concupiscible appetite, in which this good is restraint, and the chief virtue is temperance.

   (b) the passions of the irascible appetite, in which this good is to fortify and the chief virtue is fortitude.

   (c) exterior goods: the good of reason here is due proportion in the sharing of these goods, and the chief virtue is justice.

  (2) intellect: the good of which is knowledge of the truth. Hence the intellectual virtues will be distinguished according to the various types of knowledge:

   (a) of necessary truths:

    1. known per se, i.e., first principles: the virtue of understanding.

    2. conclusions from principles: the virtue of science.

    3. highest truths: the virtue of wisdom.

   (b) of contingent truths, i.e., of truths ordered to

    1. moral acts: the virtue of prudence.

    2. things to be made: the virtue of art.

These virtues have to do with goods which are means to the ultimate end.

 c. Virtues which have for their object the ultimate end, viz., God, are the theological virtues of

  (1) faith: knowledge of God.

  (2) hope: confidence in God.

  (3) charity: love of God.

Under all of these chief virtues are subordinate virtues.