in der Ethik der sittl. vollkommene Zustand als Grundlage oder Ziel menschl. Handelns. Es gibt viele T.-Systeme, z.B. die tradit. Unterscheidung der theolog. T.en Glaube, Hoffnung, Liebe von den vier Kardinal-T.en Klugheit, Mäßigkeit, Tapferkeit u. Gerechtigkeit.
ETYM AS. gôdnes.
The quality of being good in any of its various senses; excellence; virtue; kindness; benevolence.
ETYM Old Eng. vertu, French vertu, Latin virtus strength, courage, excellence, virtue, from vir a man. Related to Virile, Virtu.
1. A particular moral excellence.
2. Morality with respect to sexual relations; SYN. chastity, sexual morality.
3. The quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong; SYN. virtuousness, moral excellence.
Originally, ability or efficiency, often involving moral worth. In classical Greek it is used especially to refer to manly qualities. Christian teaching distinguishes the cardinal virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice, from the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love (or charity) which St Paul gives as the basis of Christian life.