The Chain of Virtue

INTRODUCTION

Scholars may use different words to categorize the virtues.  They may also differently identify specific virtues belonging to a category.

I am using the following frame for my categorization of virtues:

·       theological

·       intellectual

·       moral

·       human

I am going to define each category of virtue.

I am going to list each virtue I consider part of that category.

Next, I am going to provide a chain showing how the virtues come together in the moment.  This coming together is a process and instantaneous at the same time.

In the conclusion I will review the virtuous life, virtues, and the chain of virtue.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF VIRTUE

Theological

Defining the Meaning and Scope

The theological virtues (reference to Catechism of the Catholic Church, pgs. 446 and 903):

·       make it possible for the human person to have a relationship with God

·       are gifts from God

·       are a spiritual infusion disposing the person to life in the world

·       are the foundation of all other virtues

·       are the way that informs and gives life to all other virtues (like a root that shoots up)

Listing of Specific Virtues

·       faith

·       hope

·       charity (a specific form of love)

Intellectual  

Defining the Meaning and Scope

The intellectual virtues (reference to Modern Catholic Dictionary definition and work in The Catholic Encyclopedia):

·       make it possible for the human person to use reason and live in truth

·       are stable dispositions of the mind

·       are a way to make use of the world

·       must be enacted by the will

·       allow for the human person to act and have existence

Listing of Specific Virtues

·       knowledge

·       understanding

·       wisdom

Moral

Defining the Meaning and Scope

The moral virtues (reference to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, pgs. 443, 445, 888):

·       enable the human person to judge good and evil

·       enable human development, character formation, and accountability

·       are acquired by education and good actions (human effort)

·       allow for unity to God in moral purity

·       exist in the intellect and involve the will

Listing of Specific Virtues

·       prudence

·       justice

·       temperance

·       fortitude

Human

Defining the Meaning and Scope

The human virtues

·       are the fundamental way the person exists in relation to God and neighbor

·       take into account the individual and social nature of the person

·       focus on completing reason in the mind and harmony with the Divine will

·       are directly linked to God’s governance of the universe

·       are inseparable from the common good and public interest

Listing of Specific Virtues

·       humility

·       gentleness

·       purity

·       peacemaking

THE CHAIN OF VIRTUE

The start of the chain begins with the theological virtues.  Here, God invites the person to “know, love, and serve” him.

Once a relationship is established, the presence of God can take place in the human intellect through knowledge.

This leads us to the intellectual virtues.  Here, knowledge allows for understanding which allows for wisdom.

Wisdom is the ability to judge worldly things in accord with the Divine will.  The subject of wisdom leads us to the moral virtues.

Here, decisions concerning good and evil are made.  Discernment and judgment allow for human development, character formation, and accountability.    

With the light of wisdom, the human person can be united to God in moral purity.

The human virtues are intimately related to the previous three groups of virtues---theological, intellectual, and moral.

Here, the person exists as God wants.  The person is true to self, other, and all of creation.

The moral life has reached a point at which God will accept the person into his life and substance.

Truth will become an indispensable part of the life of the human person.

The person acknowledges God’s plan and submits in action.

The person experiences relationship with God and promotes the truth encountered in the Divine substance.

The passions of the person are perfected through the spiritual life and the virtues.

CONCLUSION

The virtuous life can be complicated and challenging.

Identifying the different types of virtues and listing the specific virtues in each category makes it easier to understand and live the virtuous life.

The chain of virtue provides a model for understanding how virtue works in the life of the human person.

It accomplishes the goal of uniting the various virtues in a way that is relatable and relevant.

The model doesn’t necessarily have to happen in a linear manner or be void of randomness.  There are different categories, but there is room for growth in one category while a line of continuity can be forming in another category.

The main purpose of the model is to give the reader an idea of what is occurring in the moment for the human person.

It provides a useful angle and advances thinking about virtue for the person who is interested.

The model is not the only way of thinking about the virtuous life. 

REFERENCES

Catechism of the Catholic Church.  2nd edition.  Libreria Editrice Vaticana.  Available, as of 07/08/2025, at https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/

The Catholic Encyclopedia.  Virtue.  The Divisions of Virtue: Intellectual Virtues.  New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912.  Available, as of 07/08/2025, at https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15472a.htm#:~:text=Intellectual%20virtue%20may%20be%20defined%20as%20a%20habit,in%20reference%20to%20their%20proper%20object%2C%20namely%2C%20truth

Modern Catholic Dictionary.  Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.  Copyright Eternal Life.  Used with permission on Catholic Culture.  Related to the intellectual virtues.  Available, as of 07/08/2025, at https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=34261