natural virtues
C2Formal, Academic, Theological
Definition
Meaning
Moral qualities or strengths that can be developed through human effort and reason, without necessarily requiring divine revelation or specific religious faith. In traditional moral philosophy, these are contrasted with the 'theological virtues' (faith, hope, and charity).
Often used to refer to the classical cardinal virtues identified by Plato and Aristotle—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—which are considered attainable by human nature. The term can also be applied more loosely to describe admirable human qualities like honesty, courage, or kindness that are not explicitly rooted in a specific religious doctrine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a compound philosophical/religious term. It primarily appears in discussions of ethics, moral philosophy, and Christian theology. It is a countable plural noun phrase ('the natural virtues'). The concept implies a distinction between a universal, reason-based morality and a faith-based one.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral academic/theological term. May carry a slightly more historical or traditional connotation in modern secular discourse.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Slightly higher relative frequency in British academic texts due to the historical influence of writers like Aquinas in UK educational traditions, but the difference is negligible.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] cultivates the natural virtues.The debate centres on [noun phrase] and the natural virtues.A distinction is made between [noun phrase] and the natural virtues.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is a fixed philosophical phrase.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, ethics, theology, and religious studies courses. E.g., 'The essay contrasts Aquinas's view of natural virtues with the theological virtues.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only appear in highly educated conversation about morality or religion.
Technical
Technical term in moral philosophy and Thomistic (following Thomas Aquinas) theology, with a precise meaning contrasted with 'infused virtues'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The philosophers argued that one could **natural-virtue-cultivate** through habit (Note: This is a constructed, non-standard verbification for illustration).
American English
- He sought to **natural-virtue-develop** through disciplined practice (Note: This is a constructed, non-standard verbification for illustration).
adverb
British English
- He acted **natural-virtuously**, guided by reason alone (Note: This is a highly constructed, non-standard adverbial form).
American English
- She reasoned **natural-virtue-ally** about the dilemma (Note: This is a highly constructed, non-standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- Her **natural-virtue ethics** approach was influential (Note: Hyphenated adjectival use is rare but possible in academia).
American English
- The **natural-virtue framework** provides a secular basis for ethics (Note: Hyphenated adjectival use is rare but possible in academia).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This level is too basic for this specialised term.
- Philosophers talk about 'natural virtues' like courage and honesty.
- In ethics class, we learned that natural virtues, such as prudence and justice, can be developed through practice and reason.
- The Thomistic doctrine distinguishes sharply between the natural virtues, attainable by human effort, and the theological virtues, which are divinely infused.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tree growing NATURALLY from the earth (human reason/effort) versus a tree being watered by rain from heaven (divine grace). The NATURAL virtues grow from the human 'soil'.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIRTUE IS A PLANT/CULTIVATION (can be grown by human effort). KNOWING VIRTUE IS SEEING (attainable through natural reason).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct calque like 'природные добродетели', which sounds odd. The standard philosophical/theological translation is 'естественные добродетели'.
- Do not confuse with 'врождённые добродетели' (innate virtues). The concept is about acquisition through reason, not innate possession.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular noun (*'a natural virtue'). It is almost always used in the plural 'virtues'.
- Confusing it with 'human nature' or 'instinct'. It refers to cultivated moral excellence, not raw instinct.
- Misspelling 'virtues' as 'virtus' or 'vertues'.
- Using it in inappropriate, non-academic contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In Christian theological tradition, which of the following is NOT considered a natural virtue?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Prudence (practical wisdom), Justice (fairness), Fortitude (courage), and Temperance (self-control). These are also called the Cardinal Virtues.
Natural virtues are developed through human effort, reason, and habituation. Theological virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity/Love) are believed to be given directly by God's grace.
Yes, according to the philosophical definition. The concept was designed to describe moral excellence achievable by any human through reason and practice, independent of religious belief.
No, it is a specialised term used almost exclusively in academic, philosophical, or theological contexts. You are unlikely to encounter it in casual conversation or popular media.