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 four movements: the end is intended, the means are chosen, the thing is carried out, and the will rests in what it has reached.
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.
Intention
- 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.
Choice
- 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.
Execution
- 9CommandimperiumThe intellect directs the powers to act.
- 10Useusus activusThe will applies the powers to the work.
- 11Executionusus passivusThe powers actually do the thing.