ABSTRACT
To every precept of intermediate generality corresponds a class of duties, which includes in turn classes of graduated generality. Hence the task emerges of constructing these in a suitable manner. Moralists and moral philosophers are not in agreement as to how this task is to be carried out. For example:
The oldest scheme for classifying duties is that of the four cardinal virtues: prudence (prudentid), courage (fortitude), temperance (temperantid), and justice (justitid). This division dates back as far as Plato and is the basis for his practical ethics and his political theory. Later on the Church adopted the Platonic division, as did some philosophers: e.g., Alexander Bain. More recent Christian moralists maintain the division into duties towards God, duties towards others, and duties towards oneself. Some, particularly theological moralists, lay down the Ten Commandments, the Mosaic decalogue, as the basis for classifying duties.
