Glossary
The twelve stages of the human act
Aquinas analyses a single complete action into twelve stages, alternating between intellect and will, and grouped in three movements: the end is intended, the means are deliberated and chosen, the thing is carried out.
The scheme is drawn from the Summa Theologiae, I-II, questions 8–17. It is unusually useful for ordinary work because it locates failure precisely: a project that will not move is stalled at one identifiable stage, and the remedy for a missing intention is nothing like the remedy for a missing command.
The end
- 1ApprehensionapprehensioThe intellect presents something as good.
- 2WishvelleitasThe will is drawn to the good, without yet committing.
- 3Judgment of attainabilityiudicium de fineThe intellect asks whether this good is possible for you.
- 4IntentionintentioThe will commits to the end as attainable.
The means
- 5CounselconsiliumThe intellect deliberates about how it might be done.
- 6ConsentconsensusThe will accepts the means deliberation found.
- 7Last practical judgmentiudicium ultimumThe intellect names the best means, here and now.
- 8ElectionelectioThe will chooses. This is the decisive act.