What is the first of the moral virtues?
The virtue of prudence (XLVII .).
What is prudence?
Prudence is a principle of moral action that perfects man's practical reason, so that in every action he dispose and order all things as it behoves, by commanding himself and those under him to do at each moment what is necessary for the perfect realization of every virtue (XLVII. 1-9).
Is this virtue of great importance in man's life?
Yes, for without it there could be no virtuous act in man's life at all (XLVII. 13).
If man has this virtue in its perfect state, can he lead a perfectly virtuous life?
Yes (XLVII. 14).
Why can prudence effect this?
Because in prudence all the other virtues are united, each single one being dependent upon prudence just as prudence is dependent upon them.
In order for this virtue of prudence to be perfect, are certain conditions necessary as regards its proper act?
Yes.
What are these conditions?
They are, first of all, the elements which constitute it, without which it cannot exist at all; secondly, certain other virtues which are ordained to prudence and which prepare the way for its proper act are necessaiy and lastly, the division of prudence according to the diversity of objects to be governed or ruled (XLVIII.-LI.).
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - SECOND SECTION - A DETAILED SURVEY OF MAN'S RETURN TO GOD - XIII. OF THE MORAL VIRTUES: OF PRUDENCE, ITS NATURE AND ELEMENTS, AND OF ITS ATTENDANT VIRTUES; OF THE SPECIES OF PRUDENCE, NAMELY, INDIVIDUAL, DOMESTIC, POLITICAL, AND MILITARY (B)
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