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As this conversation moves forward, some "common ground" seems
useful.<br>
<br>
Virtue, as described in my handy Columbia Viking Desk Encyclopedia
advises:<br>
<br>
<blockquote>... in philosophy, a moral judgment of the good of human
conduct. The cardinal virtues, as presented by Plato, were
wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Called natural virtues
as contrasted with the Christian theological virtues of faith,
hope, and character. The Platonic virtues are achieved through
training and discipline; the Christian virtues are regarded as
dispositions for good residing in man. By the 14th century, the
two were combined and named the seven cardinal virtues. They are
found, with the opposing seven deadly sins in such medieval
literature as Dante's Divine Comedy.<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
The seven deadly sins are usually described as: pride, covetousness,
lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth.<br>
<br>
On to "values". Webster's New World keeps it simple:<br>
<br>
<blockquote>Values are the social principles, goals, or standards
held or accepted by an individual, class, society, etc.<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
The "Values.Com" site states this about their project:<br>
<br>
<blockquote>The Foundation does not have a political or religious
agenda. Our values are selected with the hope that most
individuals would find these values universal, encouraging, and
inspiring. The Foundation acknowledges that each person has a
unique lens through which he or she views the world. Naturally
there are religious, nonreligious, political, and cultural views
that give meaning to our lives. Our objective is to provide a wide
spectrum of values without any intended agenda or slant and
provide an uplifting message around each one.<br>
</blockquote>
Seems rather clear to me.<br>
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