Treatise On the Virtues

In his Treatise on the Virtues, Aquinas discusses the character and function of habit; the essence, subject, cause, and meaning of virtue; and the separate intellectual, moral, cardinal, and theological virtues. His work constitutes one of the most thorough and incisive accounts of virtue in the history of Christian philosophy. John Oesterle's accurate and elegant translation makes this enduring work readily accessible to the modern reader. "At the heart of this treatise are the subtle but crucial distinctions St. Thomas draws among the intellect and will, and the intellectual, moral, and theological virtues—establishing at the same time their interdependence. The discussion of prudence, as the bridge between the intellectual and moral virtues, is one of the classic accomplishments of Western thought." —Faith & Reason