Catholic Dictionary

Term

VIRTUAL INTENTION

Definition

An intention that was once made and continues to influence the act now being done. But it is not present to the person's consciousness at the moment of performing the act. This kind of intention is sufficient for a human act to be voluntary and therefore morally responsible. (Etym. Latin virtualis, from virtus, capacity, virtue.)

See Also: ACTUAL INTENTION, See Also: HABITUAL INTENTION, See Also: INTENTION, See Also: INTERPRETATIVE INTENTION