phil 288 exam 1

Leo XIII’s Criticism of the Socialist Solution:

Leo XIII acknowledges the misery and wretchedness of the working class, which socialism highlights. However, he rejects the socialist solution of abolishing private property, arguing that it is unjust and contrary to natural law.

Leo argues that private property is a natural right for personal and family security. He claims that socialism fails to address the root causes of poverty and instead promotes class conflict.

Leo XIII’s Proposed Solution

Leo proposes a solution focused on harmony between the working class and the ruling class. He advocates for moral education, emphasizing mutual obligations between employers and employees. Employers must treat workers as persons, paying just wages and not exploiting their labor

Right to Possess vs. Right to Use Property

Leo distinguishes between the right to possess private property (which is a natural right) and the moral obligation to use property responsibly. Property should serve the common good, and excessive wealth should be used to help those in need.

Role of the State

The state’s role is to maintain justice, protect private property, and ensure that the common good is served. It should not impose control over private property but must regulate to prevent exploitation and uphold justice in labor relations.

Why Wages Should Not Be Determined by Free Consent Alone

Leo argues that labor is not merely a commodity, and wages should reflect the worker's dignity and moral rights. Free consent is not enough because it may lead to exploitation, and wages must support a dignified life for the worker and their family.

What is the just wage?

A just wage is one that allows the worker to live decently, supporting themselves and their family. It is based on the worker’s needs, the cost of living, and the family’s needs, not merely on market forces.

According to John Paul II (JPII), is capitalism the path to true economic and civil progress?

John Paul II (JPII) acknowledges the benefits of a market economy but critiques excessive capitalism.

He recognizes that capitalism can lead to greater economic freedom and progress but warns that it can also result in consumerism, exploitation, and inequality if not balanced with moral considerations.

What does JPII mean by ‘consumerism’?

Consumerism refers to an excessive focus on material goods and individual consumption, where people are valued only for their economic role. JPII critiques this, as it undermines human dignity and leads to the dehumanization of individuals, treating them as commodities rather than persons.

How does consumerism destroy the human environment?

Consumerism promotes a materialistic worldview that prioritizes possessions over relationships, undermining family, community, and the moral order. It diminishes the environment by focusing on short-term gains and neglecting sustainable practices.

What is the view of human nature put forward in Gaudium et Spes?

Gaudium et Spes emphasizes that humans are made of body and soul, reflecting both material and spiritual realities. Humans are distinct from plants and animals due to their rational nature and divine capacity for intellect and moral decision-making. The human person is inherently social and political, intended for relationship with others, and called to form communities.

What is Aristotle’s definition of soul? What does it mean? (NOTE: you do not need to know what he means when he says “first grade”)

Aristotle defines the soul as the form of the body, meaning it gives life and organization to the body. The soul is not separable from the body, except in the case of the rational part (the intellect).

What does it mean to say that the soul is a functional organization of the body?

The soul is the organization that allows the body to function. Different parts of the soul correspond to different activities (nutrition, perception, and rational thought), with some parts being inherently tied to bodily functions (nutritive and perceptive) and others potentially separable (the rational part).

Which part(s) of the soul are inseparable from the body? Why?

The nutritive and perceptive parts of the soul are inseparable from the body because they are directly tied to physical processes.

Which part(s) are, in theory at least, separable? Why?

The rational part of the soul is separable in theory because it involves intellectual activity, which does not require a body.

What does Aristotle say happiness is?

Aristotle defines happiness (eudaimonia) as living a life in accordance with virtue and reason. Happiness is the fulfillment of one’s nature through virtuous actions, especially those that involve contemplation and rational thought.

Explain the argument that Aristotle gives for his view of what happiness is

Aristotle argues that the best life is one in which a person performs their unique function as a rational being, cultivating virtues and engaging in intellectual activities. Happiness is achieved when a person fulfills their potential in alignment with reason.

What reason does Aristotle give for thinking the contemplative life is the best life?

Aristotle views the contemplative life as the highest form of happiness because it involves the exercise of reason in the pursuit of truth, which is the most divine aspect of human nature.

What does Aristotle mean in saying that the city-state is natural?

Aristotle argues that the city-state (polis) is a natural institution because humans are naturally social beings who thrive in communities. The city-state exists to promote the good life for its citizens, and humans cannot achieve their full potential outside of it.

What does Aristotle mean in saying that human beings are political animals?

Humans are political animals because their rational nature enables them to engage in deliberation and decision-making for the common good. Political life is essential for the realization of human flourishing.

What does Aristotle mean in saying that the city-state is prior to the individual?

Aristotle contends that the city-state is prior to the individual in the sense that humans achieve their full potential through participation in the city-state. The city-state provides the conditions necessary for individuals to live virtuous lives.

What does Aquinas mean when he says that “happiness is an operation in accord with perfect virtue” (Treatise on Happiness Q. 3: 2)

Aquinas agrees with Aristotle that happiness is the fulfillment of one’s nature. He further clarifies that perfect happiness involves acting in accordance with the highest virtues, particularly those that align with God’s will and nature.

Explain Aquinas’ distinction between imperfect beatitude and perfect beatitude

Aquinas distinguishes between imperfect beatitude (earthly happiness, which is incomplete and often mixed with suffering) and perfect beatitude (the full, eternal happiness that comes from union with God in the afterlife).

Beatitude

happiness

According to Aquinas, what does it mean when it is said that “humans are made to the image of God”?

Aquinas argues that humans are made in God’s image primarily through their rational nature—the ability to reason and make moral choices. This capacity for intellect and will reflects the divine nature.

What are the three ways in which we can imitate God (i.e., what are the “three possible ways to think of the image of God in man”)?

• In terms of intellect: Humans are like God because they have a rational mind capable of understanding.

• In terms of will: Humans have free will, mirroring God’s free, loving will.

• In terms of eternal destiny: Humans are created for eternal union with God, which reflects their ultimate end and purpose.

What is Aquinas’ definition of ‘person’?

Aquinas defines a person as an individual substance with a rational nature. A person is a being that possesses reason and intellect, which makes them capable of moral decisions and personal relationships.

How are God, dignity, and personhood related?

Dignity is inherent in personhood because persons are made in the image of God. Human dignity is rooted in rational nature, and this dignity implies the right to moral consideration and respect.