Theology Unit 2

STOP

1. Search out the facts, 2. Think, 3. Others (seek help), 4. Pray for guidance

Discernment

a decision-making process that attends to the implications and consequences of an action or choice

Prudence

the moral virtue that inclines you to discern a moral life and to choose the means to accomplish it. It forms your character

St. Thomas Aquinas on Prudence:

Right reason in action

Cardinal Virtues

Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance

Small decisions...

can have big consequences

Objective Norms of Morality

Ten Commandments (what)

Three aspects of every moral action

moral object, intention, circumstances

Intention

1. Keep the intention good (why), 2. The end does not justify the means (how)

Circumstances

Can diminish or increase one's responsibility for an action (who, when, where, how)

What teaches about moral circumstances?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Circumstances cannot change the immorality of something inherently wrong)

Think

Think about the consequences and alternatives to an action

Others

Others can help you make moral choices.

How to seek advice from Jesus?

Magisterium

The Church's Magisterium is...

infallible (Holy Spirit)

Pray

Conversation with God:
1. Praise
2. Thank
3. Repent
4. Pray for others
5. Pray for self

Meditation

mental search or quest

Contemplation

mental prayer

Consolation

To be comforted and close to God

Desolation

To be hopeless and far from God

The Holy Spirit...

aids you in distinguishing between trials (necessary for growth in virtue) and temptations (lead to sin and death)

Which ancient philosopher do modern Christians love to cite?

Aristotle

Telos

Any thing has a defined form and a defined function (the end goal that guides our actions)

Why is telos significant for humans?

It means that we have rational thought and needs

Phronesis

Prudence (practical wisdom)

Ultimacy

final goal

Aristotle's Belief on Rational Choice

We aim for good, but it is connected to emotion and desire

Arete

A virtue that inclines us towards excellence (can become excessive)

Does belief or knowledge drive our choices?

Belief (Knowledge itself is useless)

Eudemonia

Flourishing (true happiness, not pleasure)

Techne

Life skills

Akrasia

Incontinence

Incontinence

Doing the wrong thing despite knowing the right reason

Full virtue

Doing the right thing, the right way, with the right reason, and the right feeling

Continence

Doing the right thing, the right way, with the right reason, but wrong feeling

What does Chapter 1 of Nicomachean Ethics state?

1. Every human pursuit aims at good
2. Different actions have different ends
3. Aim for the greater ends, not the minor ones

What does Chapter 2 of Nicomachean Ethics state?

1. The thing that motivates your actions is good, and knowledge of this would provide an aim for one's life
2. The study of ethics and politics are related given that they both aim for the good
3. The good of the whole is better than that of an individual

Moral Exemplar

A person that displays practical wisdom and or eudemonia

Why is the story of Medea important?

It is an example of incontinence. ("I know indeed what evil I intend to do")