Religion & Society: Unit 2 AOS 1 - Morals, Ethics, Virtues, and Pluralism

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the distinctions between morals and ethics, the Catholic Five Precepts and Virtues, Catholic Social Teaching, Buddhist moral precepts, comparative ethics, and characteristics of pluralistic societies from Unit 2 AOS 1.

Ethics

The rules followed because one's community or profession dictates them.

Morals

The personal rules followed because an individual believes they are right.

The Precepts of the Church

Five positive laws outlined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church—also termed the "indispensable minimum"—decreed by pastoral authorities to guarantee nourishment in liturgical life, prayer, moral effort, and growth in love of God and neighbor.

First Precept of the Catholic Church

"You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation," requiring participation in the Eucharistic celebration when the Christian community gathers on the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord.

Second Precept of the Catholic Church

"You shall confess your sins at least once a year," ensuring preparation for the Eucharist through the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's work of conversion and forgiveness.

Third Precept of the Catholic Church

Receive the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.

Fourth Precept of the Catholic Church

Observe days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.

Fifth Precept of the Catholic Church

Provide for the needs of the Church according to one's abilities.

Cardinal Virtues

Four "hinge" habits for human living and moral conduct that are developed through practice and education: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.

Prudence

The cardinal virtue of discerning the true good in every circumstance (wisdom).

Justice (Cardinal Virtue)

The constant will to give God and neighbour their due (fairness).

Fortitude

The cardinal virtue of firmness and constancy in the pursuit of the good (courage).

Temperance

The cardinal virtue of moderation in the use of created goods and maintaining balance in life.

Theological Virtues

Fundamental Christian virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity/Love) infused directly by God into the soul to enable individuals to participate in divine life, with charity considered the greatest.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

A body of principles covering economic, political, personal, and spiritual spheres of life, inspired by scripture and papal writings, which shape initiatives such as Caritas Australia.

Human Dignity (CST)

The belief that every person is created in God's image, that all human life is sacred, and that each individual possesses inherent dignity.

Solidarity (CST)

The principle asserting that all people are part of one human family with a collective responsibility to help each individual achieve their full potential.

The Common Good (CST)

The principle of working towards the collective wellbeing of all people while looking beyond individual personal interests.

Preferential Option for the Poor (CST)

The commitment to prioritize the women, men, and children most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice.

Subsidiarity (CST)

The principle asserting every person's right to participate in the decisions that directly affect their own life.

Participation (CST)

The belief that every person has the capability and right to be the architect of change in their own life.

Care for Our Common Home (CST)

The Catholic social teaching principle affirming that protecting creation is vital for the common good and that a true ecological approach is inherently a social approach.

The Five Buddhist Precepts

The moral training for practicing lay Buddhists to abstain from: 1) deliberately killing any living being, 2) stealing, 3) sexual misconduct (particularly adultery), 4) lying, and 5) taking alcohol and non-medicinal drugs that weaken mindfulness and moral judgement.

Theocentric Ethics

God-centered ethical systems, such as Catholic ethics, that emphasize divine laws, worship, and observance of the Sabbath.

Anthropocentric Ethics (Comparative Religious Context)

Human-centered ethical frameworks, such as Buddhist ethics, which focus primarily on how one's actions affect their own mind, karma, and others rather than divine obedience.

Pluralistic Society

A diverse community where multiple groups with unique cultural, ethnic, political, or religious identities and values coexist and work collaboratively, supported by shared rules and integration rather than forced assimilation.

Diffusion of Power

A core feature of a pluralistic society where authority is distributed across diverse institutions, interest groups, and communities rather than monopolized by a single elite group.

Natural Law

The philosophical concept that human reason, accessible to all people regardless of religion, provides a universal basis for ethical standards.

Global Ethics

Collaborative ethical standards developed across diverse faiths and secular communities based on shared principles like the Golden Rule, human dignity, and non-violence.

Ahimsā

The ethical principle of non-violence originating in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, recognized as a foundational shared standard in global pluralistic dialogue.

Ecotheology

A theological reflection on environmental stewardship that incorporates dialogue with traditions viewing the Earth as sacred, leading to community conversion regarding ecological care.

Laudato Si'

An encyclical by Pope Francis (translating to "Praise Be to You") addressing environmental care, ecological economics, ecological spirituality, and the cries of the Earth and the poor.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

An international document serving as an example of pluralistic common ground where diverse religious and secular traditions agree on the inherent dignity of the human person.