perfections

Perfections is the plural form of perfection, referring to qualities or attributes regarded as marking something as complete, flawless, or of the highest possible standard. The term is used across philosophy, theology, ethics, and aesthetics to describe exemplary characteristics or states, and in everyday language to denote a standard of excellence.

In theology, particularly within Christian scholasticism, the phrase the perfections of God denotes divine attributes that define God’s nature, such as omnipotence, omniscience, benevolence, and immutability. The perfections are treated as aspects of a single divine essence, and discussions focus on how they relate and whether they are compatible with divine simplicity and aseity. Some traditions emphasize their infinitude, while others use the contrast among attributes to explore theological mysteries about God’s conduct and character.

In philosophy and ethics, perfection can refer to the ideal or telos of a being or action. Moral perfectionism is a family of theories asserting that moral rightness or goodness corresponds to attainment of certain ideal states or goods. Debates address whether humans can or should strive for perfection, how such aspirations affect practical judgment, and whether perfection is attainable or coherent as a standard for evaluation.

In other domains, perfection appears in mathematics in the term perfect numbers, which are numbers equal to the sum of their proper divisors, and in aesthetics where perfection characterizes ideal beauty or form. The plural perfections is most often encountered in theological discourse but can appear in broader discussions about ideal attributes and standards of excellence.