Editing Cardinal virtues (section)

=== Roman philosophy ===
The Roman philosopher and statesman [[Cicero]] (106-43 BC), like Plato, limits the list to four virtues:

{{Blockquote|Virtue may be defined as a habit of mind ({{lang|la|animi}}) in harmony with reason and the order of nature. It has four parts: wisdom ({{lang|la|prudentiam}}), justice, courage, temperance.
|''[[De Inventione]]'', II, LIII{{efn|Nam virtus est animi habitus naturae modo atque rationi consentaneus. … Habet igitur partes quattuor: prudentiam, iustitiam, fortitudinem, temperantiam.}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=Cicero|title=de Inventione II |url=https://thelatinlibrary.com/cicero/inventione2.shtml#159 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110144829/http://thelatinlibrary.com/cicero/inventione2.shtml#159 |archive-date=2021-01-10 |access-date=2014-01-17 |website=The Latin Library}}</ref>}}

Cicero discusses these further in ''[[De Officiis]]'' (I, V, and following).

[[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]] writes in {{lang|la|[[Seneca's Consolations|Consolatio ad Helviam Matrem]]}} about justice ({{lang|la|iustitia}} from [[Ancient Greek]] {{lang|grc|δικαιοσύνη}}), self-control ({{lang|la|continentia}} from Ancient Greek {{lang|grc|σωφροσύνη}}),  practical wisdom ({{lang|la|prudentia}} from Ancient Greek {{lang|grc|φρόνησις}}) and devotion ({{lang|la|[[pietas]]}}) instead of courage ({{lang|la|fortitudo}} from Ancient Greek {{lang|grc|ἀνδρεία}}).<ref>{{Cite book |title=Seneca. La "Consolatio ad Helviam matrem" con un'antologia di testi |author=Seneca |date=2004 |publisher=Carocci |translator-last=Cotrozzi |translator-first=Annamaria |page=76 |language=it}}</ref>

The Roman Emperor [[Marcus Aurelius]] discusses these in Book V:12 of ''[[Meditations]]'' and views them as the "goods" that a person should identify in one's own mind, as opposed to "wealth or things which conduce to luxury or prestige".<ref>{{Cite book |author=Marcus Aurelius |title=Meditations |date=1976 |publisher=Penguin Classics|translator-first=Maxwell|translator-last=Staniforth |page=83 |url=https://archive.org/details/meditations0000marc_g6h3/page/82/mode/2up}}</ref>

Suggestions of the [[Stoic virtues]] can be found in fragments in the [[Diogenes Laertius]] and [[Stobaeus]].

The Platonist view of the four cardinal virtues is described in ''[[Definitions (Plato)|Definitions]]''.

'''Practical wisdom''' or prudence ({{transliteration|grc|phrónēsis}}) is the perspicacity necessary to conduct personal business and affairs of state. It encompasses the skill to distinguish the beneficial from the detrimental, to understand the attainment of happiness, and to discern the right course of action in every situation. Its antithesis or opposite is the vice of folly.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Definitions|title=Works of Plato|volume=VI|url=https://archive.org/details/WorksOfPlatoV6|series=Bohn's Classical Library |location=London|publisher=[[Henry George Bohn|H. G. Bohn]]|year=1854|editor-first=George|editor-last=Burges|editor-link=George Burges|page=[https://archive.org/details/WorksOfPlatoV6/page/126/mode/1up 126]}}</ref>

'''Justice''' ({{transliteration|grc|dikaiosunê}}) is the harmonious alignment of one's inner self and the comprehensive integrity of the soul. It involves fostering sound discipline within each facet of our being, enabling us to live with others and extend the same regard to every individual. Additionally, justice pertains to a state's aptitude to equitably allocate resources based on individuals' deservingness, as determined by their merits. It entails refraining from undue harshness, fostering a universal perception of fairness. Furthermore, it entails embodying the qualities of a law-abiding citizen or member of society, upholding principles of social equality. Justice encompasses the formulation of laws that can be substantiated by valid justifications, leading to a society where actions align with these laws.

Moderation or '''temperance''' ({{transliteration|grc|sôphrosunê}}) is the capacity to temper the indulgence of desires and sensory pleasures within the bounds of what is customary for the individual, aligning only with experiences already familiar to the soul. It encompasses achieving a harmonious equilibrium and exercising disciplined control when it comes to overall pleasure and pain, ensuring that they remain within normal ranges. Moreover, moderation involves cultivating a harmonious relationship and a balanced rule between the soul's governing and being governed aspects. It signifies maintaining a state of natural self-reliance and exercising proper discipline as and when required by the soul. Rational consensus within the soul is essential concerning what merits admiration and what warrants disdain. This approach entails deliberate caution in one's choices, as one's selection navigates between the extremes.

'''Courage''' ({{transliteration|grc|andreia}}) can be defined as the ability to conquer fear within oneself when action is necessary. It encompasses military confidence, a deep understanding of warfare, and maintaining unwavering beliefs in the face of challenges. It involves self-discipline to overcome fear, obeying wisdom, and facing death boldly. Courage also entails maintaining sound judgment in tough situations, countering hostility, upholding virtues, remaining composed when faced with frightening (or encouraging) discussions and events, and not becoming discouraged. It reflects valuing the rule of law in our daily lives rather than diminishing its importance.