Finally, the relevance of Catholic virtue ethics for business and business ethics is discussed. The nature of virtue is then discussed, including both the classic distinction between the four cardinal virtues and the unity of the virtues in virtuous action. After briefly indicating some of the reasons for this, the metaphysical presuppositions for virtue ethics in the Catholic tradition are examined, using the writings of Thomas Aquinas as the main source because of his wide influence over this tradition as a whole. Take time to learn more about Purgatory with the great resources we have provided for you.International Handbooks in Business EthicsĪlthough virtue ethics predates the beginnings of Christianity, it is largely thanks to the Christian, and especially the Catholic, tradition that virtue ethics has survived and can be revived more generally today. Regular confession is one of the means to help us on our journey toward sanctity, to help us avoid time in Purgatory. Purgatory provides us with the opportunity to be cleansed of our impurities, so we may be made holy to see the Lord (Heb 12:14). Scripture teaches us that nothing unclean will enter God’s presence in heaven (Rev 21:27). The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification…” (CCC 1030-1031).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. You can and should use these commandments as a guide to examine your conscience and make a good Confession! Purgatory Take time to reflect on the Ten Commandments and how they relate to everyday sins in your life. Humility Generosity Meekness Zeal Solicitude Temperance Chastity Once you figure out which sins you struggle with the most, you can learn about the virtues that will help you get rid of those ugly sins and make you into the best of yourself-the person God created you to be. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself.” (CCC 1803) Remember that “a virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good.
The seven “capital” or “lively” virtues, that correspond to the seven deadly sins, help combat the sin in our lives so we can grow in holiness and become more like Christ. For example, if you often fall into the sin of pride (love of self), than you should learn practical ways to regularly exercise humility. If you have certain sins and weaknesses that constantly nag at you, then you can try and rid them out by practicing the opposite, expelling virtues. Gregory of Nyssa said, “The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.” If we want to grow in holiness and turn away from sin in our lives, we have to grow in virtue. The more we practice habitually doing good, the less we habitually do bad, or sin. Growing in virtue helps us grow out of sin.
The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions” (CCC 1803). It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “a virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good.