Difference between revisions of "Virtue"
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*[[prudence]] (or wisdom)<ref>[http://www.thefourvirtues.com/ The Four Virtues]</ref>. | *[[prudence]] (or wisdom)<ref>[http://www.thefourvirtues.com/ The Four Virtues]</ref>. | ||
| − | + | There is no express [[biblical]] basis for the cardinal virtues, although they can be found in the [[apocrypha]] in Wisdom 8:7<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/bible/wis008.htm Book of Wisdom, Chapter 8]</ref>. Together with the three theological virtues, this gives a total of seven virtues to match the [[Seven Deadly Sins]]; contrasting portrayals of the sins and virtues are common in religious [[art]]. | |
Before the twentieth century, a common meaning of "virtue" was as a [[euphemism]] for [[virginity]]. This usage is common in the writings of [[Shakespeare]] and many other pre-modern authors. | Before the twentieth century, a common meaning of "virtue" was as a [[euphemism]] for [[virginity]]. This usage is common in the writings of [[Shakespeare]] and many other pre-modern authors. | ||
Revision as of 14:34, December 10, 2008
A virtue is an action, personality type, or character trait universally accepted to be wholesome and ideal in nature. Examples of virtues are: Honesty, Respect, Trustworthiness, Empathy and Chivalry. A virtuous person is one of high moral standards.
Christianity
St Paul identified the three greatest virtues as faith, hope and love[1] (or charity - the word caritas can be translated either way). In Christian tradition, these are often known as the three theological virtues, and listed alongside four other cardinal virtues:
- justice
- fortitude (or moral courage)
- temperance
- prudence (or wisdom)[2].
There is no express biblical basis for the cardinal virtues, although they can be found in the apocrypha in Wisdom 8:7[3]. Together with the three theological virtues, this gives a total of seven virtues to match the Seven Deadly Sins; contrasting portrayals of the sins and virtues are common in religious art.
Before the twentieth century, a common meaning of "virtue" was as a euphemism for virginity. This usage is common in the writings of Shakespeare and many other pre-modern authors.
References
- ↑ 1 Corinthians 13:13
- ↑ The Four Virtues
- ↑ Book of Wisdom, Chapter 8