The Thomistic Institute
Saint Thomas And The Acquired Virtues I Professor Candace Vogler
Dec 7, 2023
Professor Candace Vogler discusses Saint Thomas Aquinas' understanding of virtue, the challenges in pursuing virtuous actions, cultivating justice in children, the role of acquired virtues in leading a good life, the difference between two individuals working with at-risk kids, and the contrasting motivations and orientations in virtue ethics.
39:58
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Quick takeaways
- Aquinas' understanding of virtue incorporates theological elements and offers insights even to those who do not share his faith.
- Aquinas distinguishes between acquired and infused virtues, with acquired virtues arising from discipline and training while infused virtues aim for conformity with God's will.
Deep dives
Aquinas' unique advantage in understanding virtue
Aquinas' work on virtue is deeply influenced by his predecessors, including Aristotle and Augustine. Unlike Aristotle, Aquinas had the advantage of having Augustine as an important predecessor, whose conversion experience dramatically changed his perception of good and bad in human life. Aquinas' understanding of virtue takes into account the importance of childhood moral education, the influence of morally exemplary figures who may not be privileged or intellectually inclined, and the ongoing process of cultivating good character in adult human beings.
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