What are the four Cardinal Virtues in Catholic moral theology?
The four Cardinal Virtues (from the Latin 'cardo', meaning 'hinge', because all other human virtues hinge upon them) are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance: 1) Prudence disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and choose the right means of achieving it; 2) Justice consists in the firm and constant will to give to God and neighbor what is their due; 3) Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good; and 4) Temperance moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in using created goods.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1805-1809
- Wisdom 8:7
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.