Morality and Moral Theology terms pt 2- Hebert

Moral Relativism

The view that there is no absolute or universal moral law or truth, resulting in a morality determined by cultural factors or personal preference.

Moral Responsibility

The more knowledge one possesses, the more morally responsible one is for his or her actions. Well informed Christians have the greatest moral responsibility because knowledge increases the virtue of a good action, and ignorance decreases the sinfulness of a bad action.

Natural Law

Enables man to discern by reason the good and the evil, the truth and the lie; the object order, established by God, that determines the requirements for humans to strive for and reach fulfillment.

Partial Knowledge

Knowledge that is incomplete due to the presence of some obstacle interfering with a moral judgement.

Prudence

The ability to discern the most suitable and moral course of action.

Responsibility

The demand for an account of one's acts; it includes accepting the consequences of those acts.

Subjective Morality

Moral standards that are not universal but are decided upon by the individuals involved.

Vincible Ignorance

Lack of knowledge for which a person is morally responsible due to lack of diligence.

Freedom of Excellence

The power to act freely in the pursuit of human perfection and everlasting joy.

Deprived

Humanity's loss of the grace of original innocence. Through original sin we were deprived of the perfect integration of our bodies and our wills. Though human nature is still good, we struggle to choose God's will over our own.

External Constraints

The laws of God or society that protect us from abusing our free will and hurting ourselves or others.

Freedom

The ability to desire and to choose the good.

Free Will

The gift given to us by God that allows us to choose between good and evil. This God-given freedom allows us to be the authors of our own choices, thus allowing us to determine our own destiny.

Internal Constraints

Distractions or disordered desires within us that steer us away from choosing the good.

Objective Truth

Reality as it is, apart from what we think or feel about it.