morality lap 1

what makes an argument valid

if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true (conclusion has to logically follow premises)

what makes an agruement sound

follows three rules:

has to be valid, all premises must be true, and the conclusion must be true and follow 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 dillema

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: not reaching your full potential, pleasure doesn’t last “suitable of beasts” 

Honor: based on what others think (should be your own motivation)

Wealth: means to an end, don’t feel fulfilled long term. Sought in order to have other things

(eudaimonia is the ultimate goal, you can live in accordance with God’s will and purpose

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

How were we created: 

We were created by God on the sixth day of creation (final day of creation after light, animals etc. so the world would be ready for them, shows that they have dominion over the earth)

He made us in his image and likeness to be like him (spread his word)

Ultimate end:

To do good

To have dominion over the earth: he gave us everything like food and animals, so we could have power over them and also have food to eat. We were made closest to God as his representatives on earth, and he wanted us to thrive and bring the world to its full potential 

Multiply and spread all over the earth: he wanted us to have families and to expand life and culture across all of his creation

morality

a set of values and principles that influence our choices and the persons we become 

Everyone has morality, the values we have affect the choices we make

Result of the regular right choices and wrong decisions that you choose throughout your life

ethics

moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity

the philosophy behind moral decision making

scripture

the sacred writings of Christianity in the Bible

tradition

beliefs and teachings passed down from Christ and the Apostles

a doctrine believed to have divine authority though not in the scriptures)

reason

the human mind’s ability to attain truth through observation and logic

nature

the essential qualities and characteristics that define what it is

character

the quality of an individual from his/her regular work

a distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.

habit

formed by regular action, these become innate reactions to a situation

virtue

to know what is good and to enjoy doing good

vice

desires toward bad, good is not known (incurable)

continence

our appetites are not completely good; sometimes you want to do something bad, yet you choose against your will and do good

incontinence

you know what is good and bad, yet you allow your feelings and desires to take over

aristotle

Philosopher, scientist, educator, Student of Plato, lived approximately 384-322 BC

golden mean

the middle point between deficiency and excess, just the right amount, leans toward what is best for a person

excess

 one end of a spectrum, when a person has access amounts of a trait (too much), leading to a vice

deficiency

one end of a spectrum, when a person lacks enough of a trait (too little), leading toward a vice

balanced soul

A balanced soul in morality is a state of inner harmony and order, achieved when the different parts of the self work together under the guidance of reason

living out the golden mean

pleasure

a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment; apparent good

neutral, natural accompaniment to unimpeded activity, not to be sought for its own sake but as a sign of a good life

wealth

 abundance of valuable possessions; apparent good

pursuit of money for own sake

honor

showing respect or reverence to another’s worth: apparent good

eudaimonia

human flourishing and complete well-being; Greek word for happiness

the good life

a life of holiness, virtue, and a loving relationship with God

reaching eudaimonia

(Theological) Anthropology

the study of the human person, their nature, and their purpose, understood through their relation to God

happiness

the state of being happy