Choose a topic from Part 2A:
1. A moral virtue is a will-virtue. It does not belong tothe order of speculative or practical intellect, but to the will,the appetitive part of reason. Moral virtue has to do, not withknowing, but with acting or choosing in the lightof knowledge.
2. An intellectual virtue belongs to the order ofknowing. Even the virtues of the practical intellect,which regard action, are truly intellectual virtues; they are notappetites or tendencies to action; they merely show the way toaction. And when, through prudence, they recommend or commandaction, they cannot enforce the command. They give knowledge ofwhat ought to be done. But the tendency, desire, and decision inthe matter belong to the will.
3. The distinction of virtues as intellectual virtues andmoral virtues is complete. This classification covers the wholefield. In last analysis every virtue is either an intellectualvirtue or a moral virtue.
4. The intellectual virtues of understanding and prudenceare required for every moral virtue.
5. And, on the other hand, the intellectual virtue ofprudence cannot exist unless moral virtue accompany it. Henceprudence is often listed as a moral virtue.
"A person who rails at God in adversity, suffers without merit; moreover by his lack of resignation he adds to his punishment in the next life and experiences greater disquietude of mind in this life."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"To do God's will -- this was the goal upon which the saints constantly fixed their gaze. They were fully persuaded that in this consists the entire perfection of the soul. "
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine
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