Natural law ethics
moral principles are derived from human nature and can be known through reason
First precept of natural law
"good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided."
Basic goods
goods that are necessary for human flourishing, knowledge, procreation, community, and worship
Prudence
enables individuals to make practical and wise decisions
Discernment
The process of carefully considering and evaluating moral choices in order to make the right decision.
4 sources of Christian ethics/Catholic morality
scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
Culture
The social and cultural context in which moral decisions are made, which can influence ethical beliefs and practices.
Relativism
The belief that moral principles are subjective and vary from person to person or culture to culture.
Theological virtues
faith, hope, and love enable individuals to live in a relationship with God and others.
Cardinal virtues
prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance enable individuals to live morally upright lives.
Biblical vision of the human person
The understanding of human nature and dignity as revealed in the Bible, including the belief that humans are created in the image of God
Human dignity
The inherent worth and value of every human being, based on the belief that humans are created in the image of God.
Incarnation
The belief that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ, affirming the dignity and value of human nature.
Vatican II's approach to understanding sin
personal and social dimensions of sin, as well as the call to conversion and reconciliation.
Legalism
strict adherence to rules and regulations, often neglecting the underlying principles and values.
Conversion/metanoia
The process of turning away from sin and turning towards God, involving a change of heart, mind, and behavior.
Discernment approach
relies on reality as a basis for morality (depends on the circumstance) (three font principle)
three font principle
-action itself
-the intention
-circumstance (total situation and total reality)
beatitudes
recounted by Jesus in the sermon on the mount; his ideal values and disciplines of mercy, compassion, and blessedness