CST

Catholic Social Teachings

Ethical guidelines formed and based in scripture on how to treat others, the world, environment, and ourselves.

Corporal Works of Mercy

Charitable actions (Matthew 25:31-40) that help meet the bodily needs of others, reflecting service to Jesus.

Seven Corporal Works of Mercy

Specific actions including feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and visiting the sick.

Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

A framework describing the stages of moral reasoning and the development of morality from infancy to adulthood.

Moral Development

The process of distinguishing right from wrong and engaging in moral reasoning.

Conscience

The whole person making judgments about right and wrong, reflecting personal values and guiding moral decisions.

Factors that Develop Conscience

Influences such as social environment, education, religion, and personal experiences that shape an individual's moral compass.

Natural Law

The principle that humanity has an inherent understanding of right and wrong, promoting good over evil.

Thomas Aquinas

Philosopher who proposed that God provided humanity with the tools to discern good through Natural Law Theory.

Basic Goods

Fundamental human needs including self-preservation, reproduction, education, seeking God, living in society, avoiding offense, and shunning ignorance.