MORALITY FINAL EXAM (copy)

Modus Ponens

If A, then B. A is true. Therefore, B is true

Modus tollens

If A, then B. B is not true. Therefore, A is not true

Hypothetical Syllogism

If A, then B. If B, then C. Therefore, If A then C.

Disjunctive Syllogism

Either A or B. Not A. Therefore, B.

Constructive Dilemma

Either A or B. If A, then C. If B, then D. Either C or D

Morality

Principles concerning the distribution between right and wrong or good and bad behavior

Continence

Self control; the ability to restrain desires and act according to reason

Aristotle

Ancient Greek philosopher who emphasized virtue ethics

Golden mean

Aristotle’s idea that virtue lies between extremes of excess and deficiency → what it means to live a good life

Pleasure

A feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction; often considered a secondary goodin philosophy

Wealth

Material possessions of resources; valuable but not the highest good

Honor

Recognition or esteem from others; important but not ultimate

Happiness

A state of well being or flourishing; in philosophy, often linked to virtue and fulfillment

Eudaimonia

Aristotle’s term for the highest hymn good -flourishing or living well in accordance with virtue

Story of the pear tree

As a teenager, st Augustine was with some friends, was peer pressured, and they stole some pears off a tree in a nearby orchard. St Augustine said he didn’t steal for the pears, but because he had a desire to do wrong. He said he later deeply regretted his actions with the pears and repented, and he also aid that friendship can be dangerous sometimes

Death of his childhood friend

Augustine had a dear friend who dies, and he says his heart was darkened when it happened. He saw death everywhere. He realized he needed God to get through this part of his life

Sin as separation

Humanity separates from itself, others, God, and the environment

• khata

Sin as slavery

The condition of sin- slavery/death

Sin as privation

Always a perversion of a good thing

• sin turns a good thing bad

The wages of sin is death

• pauline theology

• Sin leads to both spiritual death (separation from God) and physical death

Types of sin

• mortal - sin that completely destroys our relationship with good. Grave matter, full knowledge, and complete consent are required to commit a mortal sin

• Venial - weaken our relationship with God, but doesn’t turn us away from God

• Social - concupiscence. A cycle of sin, violence, and injustice caused by individual sins

• Created injustice

How do you know if a law is good

It aligns with reason, promotes virtue, and seres the common good

Eternal law

• God’s plan

• Divine reason’s conception of things ordained by God; it always has, and always will exist

Natural law

• comes from eternal law

• Natural inclination to its proper end

• Reasoned participation of humans

• Rational creatures’ participation in eternal law through reason (human acts)

Human (civil) law

• principal people need to succeed; rules and measures relating to human conduct

• Created to guide people towards the common good

• Applies natural law to society

Divine law

• old law - law of Moses in the Old Testament, includes the 10 commandments, ceremonial laws, and civil regulations (child)

• New law - law of Christ.centered on love and grace, revealed in the New Testament (adult)

Church law (canon law)

The system of laws and regulations created y church authorities (magisterium) to govern the organization, discipline, and practices of the community

• what civil law is to natural law, church law is to divine law

Telos/theology vs. Deontology

• teleology: the explanation of things by their purpose, end, or goal rather than by their cause

• Deontology: an ethical theory that judges actions by rules and duties, not by consequences

Intrinsic vs.extrinsic morality

• intrinsic: actions are judged as right or wrong by their very nature, not by circumstance or outcomes

• Extrintric. - judging cation based on external factors, like circumstances, consequences, or authority, rather than the act itself

Moral object (STOP)

• what

• Most important factor

• Decides if an action is moral/immoral

• Some objects are always bad (murder is always immoral)

Intention (STOP)

• why

• Subjective

• Decides is an action is moral/immoral

Circumstances

• Who, how, when, where

• Can increase or decrease morality/immorality

Common good

The set of social conditions that allow all people in a community to flourish together

Prudence

The virtue of right reason applied to action: knowing the good and choosing the right means to achieve it

Conscience (what is it and what is it not) STOP

General ability to choose right and wrong

A law written on your heart by God

Not a feeling, gut instinct, or majority opinion

FOLLOWING your conscience

You must always follow your conscience bc it is how God instructs you to make the right choice; it’s how you’re called to do good

FORMING your conscience

Educating it with truth, reason, and faith, so it can rightly judge moral choices

How does Jesus continue the relationship between God and God’s people established by the 10 commandments

Jesus, as the Son of God, fulfills and deepens the convening established through the 10 Commandments by embodying divine love and mercy. In the sermon on the mount, especially the beatitudes, Jesus shifts the focus from external rule-following, the 10 commandments, to internal transformation and heart centered lived

In what ways does Jesus invite people into a deeper relationship with God

His teachings invite people to embrace humility, compassion, and spiritual hunger, revealing God’s desire for an intimate relationship rather that just obedience. By blessing the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful, Jesus opens the way for all people to experience God’s grace personally

What is the role of the 10 commandments

The 10 Commandments play an important role in shaping moral and spiritual behavior in Judaism and Christian beliefs. They act as a covenant between God and His people, creating the framework for ethical living. Their purpose is to guide individuals towards justice, respect, and accountability in both personal and societal relationships. The Commandments aim to create a conscience rooted in divine authority and moral clarity. They serve as a foundation upon which deeper spiritual teachings build a life of compassion and grace. 

There are rarely alternatives to proposed moral actions?

False

Catholics have a serious duty to consult the Magisterium and Church law in areas right and wrong?

True

No action in and of itself is always wrong

False

Your actions must promote the common good of humans?

True

Prayer is a good time to check to see if my emotions are clouding my judgement about the right course of action?

True

For a law to be good, it must be so able and promulgated by a competent authority?

True

You do not have to follow your conscience if you have a good reason?

False

Augustine believed that we are both born good and inclined toward making bad choices, as shown by his story of the Pear tree?

True

The Grace of Baptism does not take away original sin?

False

Jesus extends his forgiveness in reconciliation, which heals relationship and broken sin?

True

Augustine’s life showed that once you know the truth, it wa easy to act on it?

False

For Aquinas, God’s law is extrinsic to the human person who has a duty to follow it?

False

In Summa Theological, Aquinas understanding of morality begins with what is good + leads to happiness

True

Valid

1. it is an argument in which it is necessary that, if the premises are true, the conclusion must but true

Sound

1. Valid, All premises are true; Conclusion is true and follows the premises