Question 71 — Of Vice and Sin Considered in Themselves

We have in the next place to consider vice and sin: about which six points have to be considered: (1) Vice and sin considered in themselves; (2) their distinction; (3) their comparison with one another; (4) the subject of sin; (5) the cause of sin; (6) the effect of sin.

Under the first head there are six points of inquiry:

(1) Whether vice is contrary to virtue?

• (2) Whether vice is contrary to nature?
• (3) Which is worse, a vice or a vicious act?
• (4) Whether a vicious act is compatible with virtue?
• (5) Whether every sin includes action?
• (6) Of the definition of sin proposed by Augustine (Contra Faust. xxii): Sin is a word, deed, or desire against the eternal law.