Vices Contrary to Temperance and Fortitude

Question 1

Define fear as a vice.

Answer 1

Unmoderated passion arising from the perception of future evil.

Question 2

Define fearlessness as a vice.

Answer 2

Lack of moderated fear.

Question 3

Define audacity.

Answer 3

Excessive aggressiveness toward imminent danger without reasonable fear.

Question 4

Define presumption.

Answer 4

Thinking one can attain some end which is beyond him without aid, usually from God.

Question 5

Define ambition.

Answer 5

Striving for honour above one’s excellence.

Question 6

Define inane glory.

Answer 6

Seeking honour in those things unworthy of honour.

Question 7

Define pusillanimity.

Answer 7

Smallness of soul; the habit of not striving for excellence.

Question 8

Name the vice that involves unwillingness to use one’s wealth to do great things.

Answer 8

Parvificience (stinginess).

Question 9

Name the vice that involves an unwillingness to put aside pleasure in order to engage the arduous.

Answer 9

Mollities or softness (effeminacy).

Question 10

Name the vice that involves excessive clinging to one’s assertions or intellectual convictions.

Answer 10

Pertinacity.

Question 11

Define gluttony.

Answer 11

Eating to excess.

Question 12

Define drunkenness.

Answer 12

Drinking alcohol to excess.

Question 13

Define lust.

Answer 13

Illicit desire for the pleasures pertaining to the 6th commandment.

Question 14

Name five sinful acts that fall under the species of lust.

Answer 14

• fornication
• mutual acts outside the marriage state (foreplay)
• rape
• adultery
• incest

Question 15

Define incontinence.

Answer 15

Lack of steadfastness because of the tumult of the appetites.

Question 16

Define anger as a vice (2 features).

Answer 16

• Failing to moderate the passion of anger.
• An inordinate desire for vindication arising from unmoderated sorrow at some offence.

Question 17

Define cruelty.

Answer 17

Unmoderated vindication with respect to external actions.

Question 18

Define pride (3 features).

Answer 18

• Unwillingness to live in accordance with the truth.
• Excessive striving for excellence beyond one’s state.
• Judging oneself greater than he is.

Question 19

Define curiosity as a vice.

Answer 19

Inordinate desire for useless or profane knowledge.

Question 20

Define crudity as a vice.

Answer 20

Lack of etiquette or manners.

Question 21

Define immodesty as a vice.

Answer 21

Lack of moderation regarding one’s externals.