The Stoic Four Cardinal Virtues

The Stoic Four Cardinal Virtues continued to exert an influence on European thinking long after the Roman emperor Justinian I closed all the schools of philosophy in 529CE. In this Carolingian period (780 to 900CE) painting, an emperor is depicted seated on a throne surrounded by the four virtues. In Stoic terms, the throne is the heart, where the Stoics placed the seat of thought; and the emperor is the human soul (sunkatatatheis) or ruling principle.

In the painting, the ruler is holding in his right hand a scepter, symbol of authority through power; and in his left hand a globe, symbol of dominion of the world. This image depicts the philosopher who has developed the ability to rule over his own nature in accord with the virtues.

The Four Cardinal Virtues are represented as follows:

1. To the ruler’s upper right, Phronēsis which is prudence or applied wisdom.

2. To the ruler’s lower right, Sōphrosynē which is temperance or self-control.

3. To the ruler’s upper left, Dikaiosynē which is justice or fairness.

4. To the ruler’s lower left, Andreia which is courage or forbearance.