Meaning of virtue (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Virtue:

A virtue is called the human quality of someone who is characterized by acting well and correctly. As such, it is a moral quality considered good. It can also refer to the effectiveness of certain things to produce certain effects.

The word virtue, as such, comes from the Latin virtus , virtūtis , and is derived from the Latin word vir , which means 'man', 'man', since it refers to the quality of value, associated with the masculine in ancient thought.

In this sense, virtue can designate the strength, vigor or value that a person presents in certain situations: "Despite what has happened to her, Magdalena has demonstrated the virtue of always moving forward." Hence, one can also speak of virtue to refer to the integrity of someone's character.

Virtue, as such, can be verified in people with moral integrity, willing to conduct themselves according to what is just, to what, understood in a moral sense, is correct.

Therefore, virtue is also recognizable in virtuous actions and in the correct way of proceeding. Hence, in everyday language, the term virtue is also used to designate the qualities of a person who works well.

On the other hand, virtue can also be used to refer to the effectiveness of certain things to produce or cause positive effects: "My mother's chicken broth has the virtue of raising a dead person", "Aloe vera has impressive healing virtues".

In the plural, the virtues are, according to Catholic doctrine, the angels bearers of grace and courage, whose fundamental mission is to fulfill divine operations on Earth. They are also popularly known by the name of guardian angels, and are part of the fifth choir.

Moral virtue

A moral virtue is generally called the habit of doing good. As such, virtue is a positive quality, which refers to perfection in conduct or in the way of proceeding, and, in this sense, is opposed to vice or defect.

In his philosophy, Aristotle considered that virtue was found in moderation, that is, in the balance between the extremes of defect and excess. Hence, the moral virtues are relative to the good and are subject to the guidelines of ethics.

Cardinal virtues

The cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, strength and temperance. According to Plato, justice was the most important virtue of the system of cardinal virtues, since, according to him, from the understanding of this, man could access the other three. The cardinal virtues, as such, are considered the essential foundation of man's moral virtues.

Theological virtues

According to the Bible, the theological virtues are faith, hope and charity. In this sense, they are virtues that have God as their object. Hence, it is the Creator himself who has infused them into the souls of men.