Back to Aquinas Arguments

Moral theology

Virtue ethics and beatitude

Human fulfillment lies in happiness, ultimately the vision of God, and the virtues order powers toward that end.

Guiding question

What kind of person is ordered toward genuine happiness?

Why it matters

Aquinas joins classical virtue ethics to Christian teaching on grace, charity, and supernatural beatitude.

The argumentative movement

  1. 1Every human act is chosen under some aspect of good and happiness.
  2. 2Stable habits form powers so that good action becomes more connatural.
  3. 3Natural virtues order human life, while theological virtues order the person to God as supernatural end.