cardinal virtues
Classical ethical foundations
The cardinal virtues are the four qualities of character that ancient philosophers considered essential to a good life: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
Cardinal here means principal or fundamental—these are the hinges on which moral character turns.
Christian theology later added the theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) to complete the picture of human excellence.
Careful, wise judgment
- justiceFair treatment under law
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- platonicFriendly without romance
stoicism · golden mean · moral philosophy · the good life · scholastic · natural law · practical wisdom · human flourishing
Moral soundness and consistency
- goodnessMoral excellence
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- moralityRight and wrong principles
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
conscience · uprightness · rectitude · decency · nobility · probity · dignity · principles
Avoidance of excess
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- restraintControl over impulses
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
- sobrietyUnimpaired mental state
balance · self-discipline · continence · abstinence · measured · composure · equanimity · steadiness
Fortitude facing danger
- braveryBoldness before danger
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
steadfastness · resolve · determination · valor · strength · grit · tenacity · mettle
Just and equal treatment
- equityImpartial treatment or ownership value
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
- due processGuaranteed judicial fairness
rectitude · fair play · equality · balance · redress · social harmony · lawfulness · distributive
Good judgment from experience
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
- discernmentKeen perception and judgment
circumspection · sagacity · deliberation · forethought · caution · reasoning · consideration · insight
prudence
Careful, wise judgment
- justiceFair treatment under law
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
platonic · stoicism · golden mean · moral philosophy · the good life · scholastic · natural law · practical wisdom · human flourishing · excellence
integrity
Moral soundness and consistency
- goodnessMoral excellence
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- moralityRight and wrong principles
honor · conscience · uprightness · rectitude · decency · nobility · probity · dignity · principles · character
moderation
Avoidance of excess
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- restraintControl over impulses
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
sobriety · balance · self-discipline · continence · abstinence · measured · composure · equanimity · steadiness · chastity
courage
Fortitude facing danger
- braveryBoldness before danger
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
perseverance · steadfastness · resolve · determination · valor · strength · grit · tenacity · mettle · constancy
fairness
Just and equal treatment
- equityImpartial treatment or ownership value
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- impartialityFreedom from prejudice
due process · rectitude · fair play · equality · balance · redress · social harmony · lawfulness · distributive · commutative
wisdom
Good judgment from experience
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- judgmentReasoned decision-making capacity
discernment · circumspection · sagacity · deliberation · forethought · caution · reasoning · consideration · insight · providence
- Good and Evilgood, evil, good versus evil, morality, vice
- virtuesintegrity, honesty, justice, courage, fairness
- ethicsmorality, deontology, dignity, sanctity of life, utilitarianism
- ancient ethicsAristotle, Plato, Socrates, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius
- Christian ethicsChristian morality, Christian values, divine law, natural law, moral teachings
- Christian virtuesfaithfulness, chastity, fortitude, purity, prudence
cardinal virtuesseven deadly sins
Traditional mortal transgressions
mortal sins · cardinal sins · cowardice · injustice · intemperance
cardinal virtuestheological virtues
God-given moral excellences
cardinal virtuescategorical imperative
Unconditional ethical obligation