Article 12. Whether justice stands foremost among all moral virtues?

Objection 1.  Justice isn't first among the moral virtues because justice is about giving to each his due, but generosity is giving to others what we have, which is more virtuous. 

Objection 2.  Aristotle says that magnanimity (greatness of mind and heart) includes justice and all the virtues.  Therefore magnanimity is greater than justice.

Objection 3.  Aristotle says that virtue is about things that are difficult and good, and fortitude is about more difficult things than justice.

On the contrary, Cicero says justice is the most impressive of the virtues.

It is clear that legal justice (justice that directs man toward the common good) is first among the moral virtues since it involves multiple people, rather than just one.  In addition, particular justice (directed to just one person) is also first among the moral virtues for two reasons.  The first is that justice is in the will, which is the higher part of the soul while the other moral virtues are in the sensitive appetite, which is the lower part of the soul.  The second is that Aristotle says that the greatest virtues are those which help others, since virtue is about doing good to others.  Aristotle goes on to say that greatest honors are given to the brave and the just, since bravery is useful to others in warfare, and justice is useful to others both in war and in peace.

Reply to Objection 1.  A generous man gives while thinking about his own growth in virtue, while a just man gives to another his due, while thinking about the common good.  Justice is directed to everyone, but generosity can't extend to everyone.  Also generosity is based on justice.

Reply to Objection 2.  When magnanimity (greatness of mind and heart) is added to justice it increases the good of justice, but without justice it wouldn't even be a virtue.

Reply to Objection 3.  Fortitude is about the most difficult things, but is only useful in warfare.  Justice is useful in both war and in peace.

www.newadvent.org/summa/3058.htm#article12


Praised be Jesus Christ!

This article definitely should motivate us to practice acts of justice since it states clearly that this virtue is the first among all moral virtues.  We have until Wednesday of next week to focus on this glorious virtue.  Let's finish strong.

FOR MARY!