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Concept
Cardinal virtues
Summary
The cardinal virtues are four virtues of mind and character in both classical philosophy and Christian theology. They are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. They form a virtue theory of ethics. The term cardinal comes from the Latin cardo (hinge); these four virtues are called “cardinal” because all other virtues fall under them and hinge upon them.
These virtues derive initially from Plato in Republic Book IV, 426-435. Aristotle expounded them systematically in the Nicomachean Ethics. They were also recognized by the Stoics and Cicero expanded on them. In the Christian tradition, they are also listed in the Apocrypha in and , and Ambrose, Augustine of Hippo, and Thomas Aquinas adapted them while expanding on the theological virtues.
Prudence (φρόνησις, ; prudentia; also Wisdom, sophia, sapientia), the ability to discern the appropriate course of action to be taken in a given situation at the appropriate time, with consideration of potential consequences.
Justice (δικαιοσύνη, ; iustitia): also considered as fairness; the Greek word also having the meaning righteousness
Fortitude (ἀνδρεία, ; fortitudo): also termed courage: forbearance, strength, endurance, and the ability to confront fear, uncertainty, and intimidation. Notably, ἀνδρεία, being closely related to ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός, could also be translated "manliness".
Temperance (σωφροσύνη, ; temperantia): also known as restraint, the practice of self-control, abstention, discretion, and moderation tempering the appetition. Plato considered , which may also be translated as sound-mindedness, to be the most important virtue. σωφροσύνη was often used in reference to drinking and "knowing the right amount" to avoid belligerence.
The four cardinal virtues appeared as a group (sometimes included in larger lists) long before they were later given this title.
Plato identified the four cardinal virtues with the classes of the city described in The Republic, and with the faculties of humanity.
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