Whether even virtuous men can be ashamed?

❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that even virtuous men can be ashamed. For contraries have contrary effects. Now those who excel in wickedness are not ashamed, according to Jer. 3:3, "Thou hadst a harlot's forehead, thou wouldst not blush." Therefore those who are virtuous are more inclined to be ashamed.

❌ Objection 2 : Further, the Philosopher says (Rhet. ii, 6) that "men are ashamed not only of vice, but also of the signs of evil": and this happens also in the virtuous. Therefore virtuous men can be ashamed.

❌ Objection 3 : Further, shamefacedness is "fear of disgrace" [*Ethic. iv, 9]. Now virtuous people may happen to be ignominious, for instance if they are slandered, or if they suffer reproach undeservedly. Therefore a virtuous man can be ashamed.

❌ Objection 4 : Further, shamefacedness is a part of temperance, as stated above (Question [143]). Now a part is not separated from its whole. Since then temperance is in a virtuous man, it means that shamefacedness is also.