Aquinas Q.56

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Questions and Answers

What is suggested about the irascible and concupiscible powers in relation to human virtue?

  • They cannot be the subject of virtue. (correct)
  • They are the only powers considered in moral discussions.
  • They represent the highest form of human virtue.
  • They are essential for the expression of virtue.

Why is virtue said not to dwell in the body according to the article?

  • Virtue is physically unattainable.
  • The Apostle indicates that good does not dwell in flesh. (correct)
  • The body is solely a vehicle for the soul.
  • The body lacks rational powers.

On what basis does Augustine argue that virtue resides in the soul rather than in the body?

  • The soul and body are inseparable.
  • The body follows the soul's direction. (correct)
  • The rational powers are governed by the soul.
  • The body enhances moral decisions.

According to the content, what is the principal act of moral virtue?

<p>Choice (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are the irascible and concupiscible powers described in relation to reason?

<p>They can participate in the reason. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the article suggest about the nature of human virtue?

<p>It is distinct from the sensitive appetite. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which virtue is associated with the irascible power?

<p>Fortitude (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does the article draw about the irascible and concupiscible powers?

<p>They may influence virtue through reason. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason given in the text for why there must be virtues in the irascible and concupiscible powers?

<p>The irascible and concupiscible powers are common to both humans and animals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the soul rule the body compared to the way reason rules the irascible and concupiscible powers?

<p>The soul rules the body with a despotic command, while reason rules the irascible and concupiscible powers with a political command. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text uses the example of a craftsman and his tools to explain which of the following points?

<p>The irascible and concupiscible powers, like tools, must be well-disposed for success. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the “infection of the “fomes” ” that the text describes as being present in the irascible and concupiscible powers?

<p>The influence of animalistic instincts that can lead to immoral actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text suggests that the virtue residing in the irascible and concupiscible powers is best described as:

<p>An acquired habit that aligns these powers with reason's directives. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the virtues related to passions?

<p>They are qualities of the irascible and concupiscible powers, while prudence is the virtue involved in making choices based on reason. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What analogy does the text use to illustrate the difference between the soul’s rule over the body and the reason’s rule over the irascible and concupiscible powers?

<p>The relationship between a master and a slave. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text state that the irascible and concupiscible powers are subject to the “infection of the “fomes” ”?

<p>These powers contain a residual trace of animalistic instinct that can impede moral development. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between the irascible and concupiscible powers as described in the text?

<p>One is associated with desires, while the other governs anger and aggression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of reason in relation to the irascible and concupiscible powers?

<p>To transform these powers into instruments of virtue. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Irascible Powers

The aspect of the sensitive appetite in humans associated with anger and emotional responses.

Concupiscible Powers

The aspect of the sensitive appetite in humans related to desires and pleasures.

Sensitive Appetite

The part of the soul that governs desires and emotional reactions in humans and animals.

Human Virtue

A type of virtue unique to humans, involving rationality and moral choices.

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Rational Powers

The cognitive abilities of the soul that guide moral choice and govern the appetites.

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Moral Virtue

A virtue that involves the ability to make good choices between conflicting desires.

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Fortitude

A virtue assigned to the irascible power, associated with courage in facing difficulties.

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Temperance

A virtue assigned to the concupiscible power, related to self-control and moderation.

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Role of Reason

Reason guides both the irascible and concupiscible powers in humans.

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Perfect Act

An action is perfect when both powers are well disposed to act as guided by reason.

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Habits in Powers

Virtues are habits that align the irascible and concupiscible powers with reason.

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Obedience to Reason

The irascible and concupiscible powers must yield to reason to develop virtue.

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Political Command

The way reason rules the irascible and concupiscible powers, allowing some independence.

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Study Notes

Irascible and Concupiscible Powers as Subjects of Virtue

  • Objections to the irascible and concupiscible powers being the subject of virtue:

    • These powers are shared by humans and animals, so can't be uniquely human virtues.
    • The sensitive appetite relies on a physical organ, and moral virtue is a soul-based good.
    • Reason rules the sensitive appetite, thus virtue should reside with reason, not in the irascible/concupiscible powers.
    • Choice, a key component of moral virtue, is a function of reason, not these powers.

  • Counterarguments and Conclusion:

    • These powers can be understood in two ways: 1) independently as parts of the sensitive appetite or 2) as participating in reason.
    • When participating in reason, these powers become the basis of virtuous acts.
    • Virtues like fortitude (irascible) and temperance (concupiscible) exist, showing the role of these powers in human activity.
    • A well-functioning act requires harmony between reason and the moved powers (irascible/concupiscible).
      • Like a craftsman needs a well-disposed instrument, reason needs well-disposed irascible and concupiscible powers
    • Virtue in these powers is a consistent alignment with reason.

  • Responses to Objections:

    • Shared aspects are irrelevant to their role in reason-driven action.
    • Virtuous action uses the body as an instrument to enact reason's commands.
    • Reason rules the powers, but not with blind or tyrannical command, akin to a ruler commanding citizens with differing interests.
    • Moral virtue in choice has two aspects: the intent and the choosing of means; the virtue of correctly applying these powers is present within them.

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