The Seven Deadly Sins | Prof. Eleonore Stump

Aquinas' Ethical Theory: Love as the Heart of Human Moral Life

Aquinas' ethical theory centers around the relationship between God and human beings, emphasizing a shareable relationship of love. According to Aquinas, big goods, like knowledge, are distinguished from little goods, such as pizza, based on how they are distributed. Love, especially in union with God, is considered the biggest good and the foundation of human moral excellence, leading to virtues being dispositions to love and vices as failures to love.

Aquinas' Account of Love and the Unity of Virtues

Aquinas presents love as a system level feature arising from desires for the good of the beloved and union with them. Love forms the basis of understanding forgiveness and the unity of virtues, where all virtues stem from love. Aquinas asserts that without love, there can be no moral goodness, highlighting love as the core of human virtue.

Understanding Mortal Sins and the Relationship with God

Aquinas defines deadly sins as those that sever one's soul from union with God by destroying the relationship of love. The absence of love not only affects the individual's connection with God but also disrupts love between human beings. Mortal sins, like betraying one's connection with God, are contrasted with repentance, crucial for reconciling the division.

The Classification and Consequences of Deadly Sins

The podcast delves into identifying the seven deadly sins, discussing how they impair the love within individuals and their relationship with God. Each sin is explored in detail, showcasing the behaviors and attitudes associated with pride, envy, wrath, sloth, avarice, gluttony, and lust, offering insights into the moral and psychological impact of these sins.

The Thomistic Institute

The Seven Deadly Sins | Prof. Eleonore Stump

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Aquinas' Ethical Theory: Love as the Heart of Human Moral Life

Aquinas' Account of Love and the Unity of Virtues

Understanding Mortal Sins and the Relationship with God

The Classification and Consequences of Deadly Sins

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