(also called Excellence).— A stable operative habit by which human beings are perfected. 

Cardinal Virtues.— Natural moral virtues that are essential in the achievement of human moral perfection. They are prudence, justice, forititude, and temperance. 

Intellectual Virtues.— Natural virtues by which the human intellect is perfected. Aristotelian psychology divides these virtues into the speculative virtues of understanding, science, and wisdom and the practical virtues of art and prudence.  Prudence, however, is both intellectual and moral. 

Moral Virtues.— Natural virtues by which the human will and emotional powers are perfected in accord with right moral reason. They are principally justice, fortitude, and temperance. Prudence, which is an intellectual virtue, is also be regarded as a moral virtue insofar as it presupposes rectification of the will, which it commands. 

Natural Virtues.— Virtues to which human beings are naturally inclined and have a natural capacity to develop. Such virtues are called “natural” in distinction from per se supernatural virtues (i.e., the infused theological virtues and per se infused moral virtues). 

Theological Virtues.— Supernatural virtues of faith, hope, and love (“charity”) given to one by divine grace, having God as their immediate object, considered under the formal aspect of His Triune Deity.