Morality Final SG

What makes an argument Valid? What makes an argument sound?

1. Valid: It is an argument in which it is necessary that, if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true; Premises can be false 

2. Sound: Valid; All premises are true; Conclusion is true and follows the premises

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.

What are the three types of apparent goods according to Aristotle? Why does he say that each of them is NOT the ultimate goal for humans?

• Pleasure

  • Why not pleasure: fleeting (lasting for a very short time)

• Honor

  • Why not honor: based on what someone else thinks

• Wealth

  • Why not wealth: means to an end

According to Genesis 1, how are human beings created and by who/what? What is their ultimate end?

According to Genesis 1, human beings are created by God in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). They are given dominion over creation and commanded to be fruitful, multiply, and steward the earth. Their ultimate end, in theological terms, is to live in communion with God, reflecting His image, and fulfilling their vocation as caretakers of creation

Morality

 Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.

Ethics

The systematic study of moral principles; a philosophical framework for evaluating human actions

scripture

Sacred writings considered authoritative in a religious tradition

tradition

the living transmission of the faith, beginning with the apostles and handed down through the Church’s teaching, life, and worship

Reason

The human capacity for logical thought, reflection, and judgment

Nature

The inherent qualities or essence of a being; in philosophy, often refers to the order of the created world

Character

The set of moral and ethical traits that define a person’s identity and actions

Habit

A repeated practice or behavior that shapes character over time

Virtue

A moral excellence or quality that enables a person to live well

Vice

A moral failing or corrupt habit that leads away from the good

Continence

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

Incontinence

Lack of self-control; being ruled by passions or impulses rather than reason

Aristotle

Ancient Greek philosopher (384–322 BCE) who emphasized virtue ethics

Golden Mean

Aristotle’s idea that virtue lies between extremes of excess and deficiency

Excess

Going beyond the proper measure; an extreme that distorts virtue

Deficiency

 Falling short of the proper measure; another extreme that undermines virtue

Balanced Soul

 A state of harmony within the person, where reason governs desires and emotions

Pleasure

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

wealth

 Material possessions or 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 human good — flourishing or living well in accordance with virtue

the Good life

 A life of fulfillment, virtue, and harmony; the ultimate goal of ethics and philosophy

(Theological) Anthropology

 The study of humanity in relation to God, focusing on human origin, nature, purpose, and destiny

What is the role of the 10 Commandments? (do not list them, but explain what the purpose of the Commandments as a whole is)

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. 

• 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 covenant 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 living.

• 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 than 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.

Division in the Church (Problem, Paul’s solution)

1. Problem: The Corinthians were splitting into factions, claiming allegiance to different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas, or Christ). This pride and rivalry undermined unity.

2. Paul’s Solution: He reminds them that the church is built on Christ alone, not human leaders. The Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection shows that all believers are united in Him, so boasting in human wisdom or personalities is meaningless

Sexual Immorality (Problem, Paul’s Solution)

1. Problem: A man was living in an incestuous relationship with his stepmother, and the church tolerated it.

2. Paul’s Solution: He commands the church to discipline the offender, stressing that the body is meant for the Lord. Because Jesus was raised, believers’ bodies are destined for resurrection and must be kept holy. The resurrection hope transforms how Christians treat their bodies

Lawsuits Among Believers (Problem, Paul’s Solution)

1. Problem: Christians were suing each other in secular courts, damaging the church’s witness.

2. Paul’s Solution: He insists disputes should be settled within the church. Since believers will share in Christ’s resurrection and reign with Him, they should already live as a community marked by forgiveness and reconciliation, not worldly litigation

Food sacrificed to Idols (Problem, Paul’s solution)

1. Problem: Some believers ate food offered to idols, which confused weaker Christians and risked leading them back into idolatry.

2. Paul’s Solution: He teaches that idols are nothing, but love must govern freedom. Because Christ died and rose for all, believers should not let their liberty harm others. The resurrection calls them to self-giving love, imitating Christ’s sacrifice

Confusion about the resurrection (Problem, Paul’s Solution)

1. Problem: Some denied the resurrection of the dead, thinking only of spiritual salvation.

2. Paul’s Solution: He proclaims that Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of faith. Without it, preaching is empty. The Good News is that Jesus’ resurrection guarantees believers’ future resurrection, giving meaning to moral purity, endurance in suffering, and hope beyond death

Autobiography & The Confessions (Augustine)

• The Confessions are a spiritual and intellectual autobiography of Augustine

  • Self-portrait of the soul

Original Sin

• He said sin is turning away from God, and is committed to gain the goods of others, seeks lower goods and not the highest good, and sin is irrational

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. said he later deeply regretted his actions with the pears and repented, and he also said that friendship can be dangerous sometimes. 

“Take and Read”

• The phrase that marked Augustine’s dramatic conversion to Christianity

Death of his childhood friend (Augustine)

• Augustine had a dear friend who died, and he says his heart was darkened when it happened, and he saw death everywhere. 

• He realized he needed God to get through this part of his life

Sin as … separation; privation; slavery

• As separation: Humanity separates from itself, others, God, and the environment

  • Khata

• As slavery: the condition of sin = slavery/death

• As privation, is always a perversion of a good thing

  • Sin turns a good thing bad

Genesis 3

• The fall of humanity is the unraveling of creation

  • Connection to the 4 right relationships 

The wages of sin is death

• Pauline theology

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

mortal sin

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

venial sin

• Weaken our relationship, but do not turn us away from God

social sin

• Concupiscence 

• A cycle of sin, violence, and injustice caused by individual sins

• Creates injustice

How do you know if a law is good?

• If it aligns with reason, promotes virtue, and serves the common good 

Eternal Law

• God’s  plan (not the hit Drake song)

• 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 by 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

grace

• A supernatural gift from God that perfects human nature, heals it from sin, and enables us to participate in divine life 

Telos/Teleology

• 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 circumstances or outcomes 

• Extrinsic: judging actions based on external factors, like circumstances, consequences, or authority, rather than the act itself 

STOP decision making process

Search out the facts, Think before you do, others can help, pray about it

Moral Object

• What

• Most important factor

• Decides if an action is moral/immoral

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

Intention

• Why

• Subjective

• Decides if an action is moral/immoral

Circumstances

• Who, how, when, where

• Can increase or decrease morality/immorality 

Alternatives

• To be moral, both object and intention must be good/moral

• All others are immoral

• Circumstances do not decide moral/immoral

• END DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS

Consequences

effects of an action

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 

3 Sources of the Moral Life

tradition, scripture, reason

Conscience (what it is and what it is not)

• General ability to choose right and wrong

• A law written on your heart by God

• Not a feeling, Jiminy Cricket, gut instinct, or majority opinion

following your conscience

• You must always follow your conscience because 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