Prof. Patrick Callahan discusses Thomas Aquinas' views on the human soul and virtues, exploring the four cardinal virtues and causes of excellence. He emphasizes the interconnected nature of the virtues, focusing on temperance and justice, and their importance for personal growth and success.
Understanding virtues beyond philosophy through poetry helps cultivate moral character.
Practical application of cardinal virtues like temperance and justice is crucial for virtuous living.
Deep dives
Overview of Thomistic Institute Podcast
The Thomistic Institute podcast focuses on promoting the Catholic intellectual tradition and hosts university student-organized lectures on various topics. The current episode introduces the concept of Thomas Aquinas' conception of the human soul and its relationship to virtues, emphasizing the importance of understanding virtues beyond a dry philosophical perspective by exploring a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins.
Exploring the Four Cardinal Virtues
The podcast delves into the four cardinal virtues, starting with a discussion on temperance. Temperance is highlighted as the ability to control oneself to enable the cultivation of other virtues. It emphasizes avoiding excess and deficiency in desires related to food, drink, and chastity, and highlights the importance of balancing quantity, quality, and circumstances.
Understanding Prudence and Justice
Prudence, the practical intellect, is described as crucial for guiding actions towards the right decisions. Justice is discussed as a habit that renders each what is due, focusing on obligations to society, religion, and individuals. The concept of a mean between deficiency and excess is emphasized in understanding fortitude, relating to courage and righteous action in the face of fear.
Applying Virtues in Daily Life
The practical application of virtues is highlighted, suggesting sports and academic settings as arenas for developing and practicing virtues like prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. The episode encourages listeners to cultivate these foundational virtues to make virtuous decisions and lead a fulfilling life.
Patrick Callahan is director of the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture as well as Assistant Professor of English and Humanities at St. Gregory the Great Seminary. There he directs and teaches in a Great Books Catholic program for students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and other regional colleges. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Dallas and his graduate work at Fordham University in Classics. He lives in Lincoln, NE with his wife and 5 children.
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