JB/015/228/001

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83

Definition of Virtue

Conduciveness to happiness being then the test of virtue,& all happiness with which we are concerned being composed
of our own happiness and that of the rest of sentient others, – the production of our
own happiness is prudence, – the production of the happiness of others is effective
benevolence. The book tree of virtue is thus divided into two great stems out of
which grow all the other branches of virtue.

Since the time of Aristotle four virtues, Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance & Justice have taken the names of the
cardinal virtues – cardo being the Latin for a hinge – & these became the cardinal virtues these are consequently because
on which, as doors on hinges, all other virtues were said to turn. But do they
turn on these four hig hinge-like virtues – & are these four virtues really By no means. The list is excessive but does it not embrace the whole. By no means. For in
Aristotle's list catalogue the virtue of benevolence – effective benevolence is forgotten – & there
is nothing in its stead but justice, which is but a portion of benevolence in
disguise. The list consists of three virtues which regard the actor only, –
while for all the rest of mankind there is a virtue, which is a very small part
of a virtue indeed.

It will, however, be seen that it is only with reference to pains
& pleasures that any clear conception attaches to the words virtue or vice. Familiarly
as they their different titles sound to the ear, any part of the meaning which cannot be brought under
the influence of their relation to happiness and unhappiness, will & must continue
unsettled & confused.

Prudence has
Prudence has been largely treated of We come to Temperance

Identifier: | JB/015/228/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 15.
Date_1		Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	015	Main Headings	deontology
Folio number	228	Info in main headings field
Image	001	Titles	definition of virtue
Category	linking material	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	f83
Penner	sir john bowring	Watermarks	m 1826
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year	1826
Notes public		ID Number	5444
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