Relations

This section documents the types of relationships used in the Virtues Map.

Purpose

These relation pages describe how nodes in the graph are connected conceptually and structurally.

Relation Types

Opposes

A relation of moral contrariety in which one habit or act stands against another as incompatible in their orientation to the good. Typically links a virtue to its contrary vice, or two dispositions that cannot coexist in the same respect.12

Perfects

Indicates that one virtue brings another to its fuller realization or proper operation according to reason and ultimate end. It expresses a hierarchical enrichment, where the perfected virtue operates more excellently through the influence of the other. 34

Requires

Denotes a necessary dependency where one virtue cannot be fully exercised without the presence or prior operation of another. It captures structural preconditions within the moral life rather than mere assistance.56

Supports

Expresses a non-essential but strengthening relationship in which one virtue aids, stabilizes, or facilitates the practice of another. Unlike “requires,” the supported virtue can exist without it, but is made more resilient or effective with it. 72

Distorts

Describes how a vice misdirects, corrupts, or imitates a virtue while deviating from right reason or proper end. It often captures parasitic relationships where the structure of a good is present but disordered. 89

Defect Of

Indicates that a vice falls short of the proper measure of a virtue, lacking what is required by right reason. It is one pole of deviation, where the good is diminished or neglected. 102

Excess Of

Indicates that a vice exceeds the proper measure of a virtue by going beyond what right reason dictates. It is the opposite pole of deviation, where the good is pursued in a disordered or immoderate way. 102

Ordered To

Expresses teleological orientation, where one virtue or act is directed toward another as its end or fulfillment. It reflects the intrinsic finality built into the moral life, often culminating in higher goods. 1112

Flows From

Indicates a causal or generative relationship in which one virtue or vice gives rise to another as a consequence or expression. It captures moral dynamics over time, especially how root dispositions produce further habits or actions. 1312

Notes

The canonical graph edges are stored in CSV files, while these pages describe the meaning of each relationship.

Check All references

  1. Summa Theologica, I-II, q.71, a.2; I-II, q.54, a.3 ↩

  2. Nicomachean Ethics, Book II ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  3. Summa Theologica, I-II, q.55, a.3; I-II, q.56, a.1 ↩

  4. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803 ↩

  5. Summa Theologica, I-II, q.65, a.1; II-II, q.47 ↩

  6. Nicomachaen Ethics, Book IV ↩

  7. Summa Theologica, I-II, q.65, a.5 ↩

  8. Summa Theologica, I-II, q.71, a.1; I-II, q.18, a.5 ↩

  9. Confessions, Saint Augustine (CHECK) ↩

  10. Summa Theologica, I-II, q.64, a.1 ↩ ↩2

  11. Summa Theologica, I-II, q.1, a.1–2; I-II, q.62 ↩

  12. Nicomachean Ethics, Book I ↩ ↩2

  13. Summa Theologciga, I-II, q.75–77; I-II, q.51 ↩