Virtue Ethics and Thomas Aquinas’s Philosophy

Philosophy often serves as a guide for those seeking to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. An important concept within this realm is virtue ethics, which holds significant importance in the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas. Understanding virtue ethics and its role in Aquinas’s teachings can greatly enhance the way philosophy is applied to living purposefully. This article will explore the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, the concept of virtue ethics, and their relevance to the pursuit of a more meaningful life.

Key features of Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian, known for blending faith and reason in his philosophy. At the centre of his ideas was the belief that faith and rational thought could coexist and complement each other. He is most famous for his “Five Ways,” which are arguments for the existence of God. These include the ideas of a first mover, a first cause, a necessary being, a perfect being, and an intelligent designer, all pointing to God as the ultimate source of existence.

Aquinas was heavily influenced by Aristotle and worked to integrate Aristotelian logic with Christian theology. He argued that natural law, a system of moral principles based on human nature, was placed within us by God and could guide us in making ethical choices. Human beings, in his view, could use reason to discover moral truths, which were aligned with divine law.

Another important aspect of his philosophy was his focus on the ultimate goal of human life – achieving unity with God, which he called “beatitude” or true happiness. For Aquinas, virtues like prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude were essential in guiding human actions toward this ultimate purpose.

Aquinas’s ideas have had a lasting impact, shaping Western thought and influencing areas such as ethics, law, and theology. He demonstrated how faith could build on reason, creating a philosophical framework still studied today.

What is virtue ethics?

Thomas Aquinas’s perspective on virtue ethics is deeply rooted in his understanding of human nature and the purpose of life. He believed that virtues are habits or qualities that help individuals act in accordance with reason and move toward their ultimate goal, which is union with God. For Aquinas, living a virtuous life means aligning one’s actions with both reason and divine law, as both are essential for achieving true happiness.

Aquinas categorized virtues into two main types: theological virtues and moral virtues. The theological virtues—faith, hope, and charity—are considered gifts from God and are directed towards eternal life with Him. On the other hand, moral virtues, such as justice, courage, and temperance, are cultivated through human effort and practice. These virtues enable people to lead good lives in their communities and make morally correct decisions.

At the core of Aquinas’s philosophy is the idea that virtues perfect human nature and allow individuals to fulfill their highest potential. He also emphasized the importance of reason as a guide for cultivating virtue, suggesting that human beings have the ability to discern right actions through intellectual reflection. Virtues are not isolated qualities but are interconnected traits that work together to shape a moral character. Thus, for Aquinas, developing virtues is essential for living a fulfilling and morally upright life.

An example that demonstrates this philosophical perspective can be found in the teachings of Thomas Aquinas. One story often shared to illustrate his ideas about virtue ethics involves the concept of practicing virtues through consistent actions. Consider the act of generosity—Aquinas believed that becoming a generous person isn’t achieved by a single kind deed but through a pattern of ongoing choices to give to others. For instance, a farmer who regularly sets aside a portion of the harvest to distribute to community members in need embodies the virtue of charity. Over time, the habit of sharing shapes not just their actions but their character, making generosity an integral part of who they are. This approach emphasizes that virtues are developed through habitual practice and the deliberate pursuit of good, transforming them into sustainable traits that define a person’s moral outlook.

Challenges to Thomas Aquinas’s view about virtue ethics

Some philosophers object to or reject Thomas Aquinas’s views about virtue ethics for various reasons, often focusing on the general challenges of virtue ethics or concerns about his approach specifically. One common objection is the perceived reliance of virtue ethics on religious or theological underpinnings. Critics argue that virtue ethics derived from a religious framework, such as Aquinas’s connection to Christianity, may not appeal to or apply universally. Philosophers who hold secular or non-religious perspectives might find it problematic to base moral systems on ideas tied to specific faith traditions, as they believe morality should be independent of religious beliefs.

Another concern is that virtue ethics may lack clear guidance for decision-making in complex situations. Philosophers critical of the approach argue that it emphasizes developing good character traits but does not always provide concrete rules or instructions for addressing moral dilemmas. Without explicit principles to follow, individuals might struggle to determine the right course of action, making the system appear less practical compared to rule-based ethical theories like deontology or consequentialism.

Additionally, some philosophers question the idea of virtues being universally applicable or timeless. What is considered virtuous behaviour can vary significantly across different cultures, contexts, and time periods. For example, a virtue that is highly valued in one society may not hold the same importance in another. Critics contend that Aquinas’s view of virtue ethics, framed within a specific theological and cultural context, cannot fully account for ethical diversity or moral subjectivity.

Lastly, the focus on building virtues as a lifelong process may seem overly idealistic to some critics. They argue that individuals, due to factors like upbringing or societal constraints, might not have equal opportunities to cultivate virtues. This raises concerns about fairness and accessibility within the ethical framework, as not everyone is positioned to achieve the ideal traits virtue ethics promotes.

These objections highlight challenges philosophers see in virtue ethics—not only Aquinas’s perspective but also the framework as a whole. They emphasize the need for ethical theories that are universally applicable, practical, and sensitive to cultural and individual complexities.

Why virtue ethics is important to Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

Understanding the concept of virtue ethics is essential to gaining insight into Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy for several key reasons.

1. Focus on Moral Character

Virtue ethics centers on the development of a person’s character rather than simply judging actions as right or wrong. This approach is significant because it emphasizes the idea that morality stems from who a person is, not just what they do. By understanding ethics in terms of virtues—like courage, kindness, and honesty—it highlights the ongoing process of self-improvement and the importance of cultivating good habits. This focus allows an individual to grow morally over time, building a foundation for ethical behavior that can guide them in complex situations where rules may not provide clear answers.

2. Integration of Reason and Practice

Virtue ethics stresses the role of practical wisdom, often referred to as prudence, in guiding moral decisions. Unlike ethical systems that rely exclusively on rules or outcomes, virtue ethics acknowledges the need to adapt to different circumstances using sound judgment. This reasoned approach makes sense of how individuals can balance competing values and prioritize actions that reflect their commitment to being virtuous. By linking rational thought with daily practices, this perspective helps explain how ethics can be seamlessly woven into ordinary life.

3. Relational and Community-Oriented Perspective

Virtue ethics does not view individuals in isolation but instead considers their relationships and roles within a community. It highlights the importance of interpersonal connections and shared responsibilities in shaping moral character. This recognition of community emphasizes how virtues are developed and sustained through interactions with others. It also suggests that a thriving moral life is not just about personal achievement but also about contributing to the well-being of others, making this framework accessible and relatable.

Contrasting Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy with Bernard Williams’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas’s approach to virtue ethics significantly contrasts with Bernard Williams’s philosophy, particularly in how they view the role of virtues and moral reasoning. Aquinas integrates virtues into a broader framework tied to a theological vision, where virtues are essential for achieving a higher, divinely ordained purpose. This connection to a transcendent goal gives Aquinas’s virtue ethics a structured and spiritual dimension that emphasizes the alignment of human actions with divine laws and ultimate happiness.

Bernard Williams, on the other hand, focuses on the complexities of human life and rejects a universal or pre-determined moral structure. Williams critiques traditional ethical theories, including those like Aquinas’s, for being overly systematic and detached from the realities of human experience. He emphasizes the importance of emotions, context, and individuality in moral decisions, rather than adherence to objective rules or a predetermined purpose. For Williams, moral dilemmas do not necessarily have “correct” answers, and human fallibility plays a key role in ethical reasoning.

Ultimately, while Aquinas grounds virtues in a metaphysical and divine context, Williams challenges the very notion of an overarching moral order, instead celebrating the nuanced and personal aspects of morality. This fundamental difference highlights how their philosophies diverge in addressing the complexity of human life and the role of virtue in ethical thought.

Virtue Ethics, Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy and the philosophy of life

Reflecting on the views of Thomas Aquinas, especially regarding virtue ethics, is a valuable exercise in shaping your personal philosophy of life because it encourages deeper thought about the principles that guide your decisions and actions. Philosophy, at its core, challenges us to examine the why behind our behaviours and beliefs. By engaging with ideas like those of Aquinas, even if you don’t agree with them, you’re essentially broadening your perspective and sharpening your capacity for critical thinking. This process isn’t just abstract theorizing but has real, practical implications in your life.

Considering Aquinas’s views forces you to confront fundamental questions about human nature, morality, and how to live a good life. For example, asking yourself what it means to live virtuously or to cultivate good habits can lead to a clearer understanding of what you personally value and prioritize. Such self-reflection helps build a foundation for making consistent, ethical choices in your daily life. It also equips you to handle challenges with a sense of purpose rather than reacting impulsively or without thought.

Taking the time to reflect on Aquinas’s ideas—or any philosophical perspective—also builds a habit of thoughtful reflection, which is crucial in a world dominated by quick decisions and distractions. It helps slow things down, allowing you to act with intention and authenticity. When you examine philosophical ideas critically, whether you’re agreeing with them or pushing back against them, you are actively shaping the framework that underpins your actions and attitudes toward others.

Furthermore, reflecting on such philosophies teaches humility. It reminds us that questions about life, morality, and ethics are not easy to answer and have been wrestled with by countless individuals through history. This realization can inspire us to be more open-minded, patient, and empathetic as we engage with people who may hold different perspectives.

Ultimately, your philosophy of life is personal, but it is enriched by dialogue—both with others and with the great thinkers of the past, like Aquinas. The process of considering and even questioning his views is a step toward building a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. It’s not about agreeing or disagreeing; it’s about using these reflections as tools to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world.

Further reading

Aquinas, T. (1920). Summa Theologica (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Benziger Bros. (Original work published 1265-1274)

Aristotle. (1999). Nicomachean Ethics (W. D. Ross, Trans.). Batoche Books. (Original work published ca. 350 BCE)

Hibbs, T. S. (1999). Virtue’s splendor: Wisdom, prudence, and the human good. Fordham University Press.

Kenny, A. (1993). Aquinas on mind. Routledge.

MacIntyre, A. (2007). After virtue (3rd ed.). University of Notre Dame Press.

McInerny, R. (1997). Ethica Thomistica: The moral philosophy of Thomas Aquinas (Revised ed.). Catholic University of America Press.

Porter, J. (2005). Nature as reason: A Thomistic theory of the natural law. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Stump, E. (2003). Aquinas. Routledge.

Westberg, D. (1994). Right practical reason: Aristotle, action, and prudence in Aquinas. Oxford University Press.