Theology III Midterm

Morality

a unique human activity that refers to our capacity to make decisions affecting others and ourselves in either a positive or negative way, shaping our identity

Four aspects of morality

personal responsibility, human will, social/communal dimension, consequences

Ethics

a development of principles, which decisions can be made from by choosing to act a certain way

Metaethics

where our ethical systems come from

Normative ethics

the moral standards that regulate what is right or wrong

Applied ethics

provides specific solutions to the given ethical dilemma.

Moral or ethic maturity

ability to compare the needs of ourselves with respect to the needs of others

Aristotelian ethics

human beings have a purpose (telos) of happiness that we can fulfill by being a good person

Kantian ethics

humans must follow moral rules that are always in command

Utilitarian ethics

the right choice is the one that results in the greatest amount of happiness for most people

Catholic ethics

based on scripture, tradition, natural law; Christians must follow the Bible.

Jesus' greatest commandment

love God above all, love your neighbor as yourself

The Sermon on the Mount contains what?

the Beatitudes

The beatitudes

famous collection of Jesus' teachings, 'Blessed are the...'.

The Kingdom of God

people serve one another, share their goods with one another, be peaceful

Legalism

attitude of strict observance of laws, regardless of potential harm to people involved

Minimalism

the attitude of doing only the least that is required by law in our moral life

Conscience

moral decision, ability, or action focusing on what a person has done or ought to do

Inadequate understanding of conscience

inner voice, upbringing, feeling

Accurate understanding of conscience

awareness, development, judgement

Awareness

basic awareness of right and wrong, our inclination towards good

Development

forming a correct conscience includes everything we do to develop our awareness of truth and goodness

Judgement

acting upon our decision, result of our development, choosing the best course of action known to us

Is feeling guilty an accurate definition of conscience?

No, we can 'feel guilty' when we make the right decisions. Our conscience has nothing to do with feelings, but actions

Erroneous conscience

being wrong in our conscience, a false judgment about right and wrong

Lax conscience

being lazy with our conscience (knowing what's right from wrong but not caring to do what is right)

Mortal sin

serious sin, kills our relationship with God

Venial sin

less serious sin, weaken our relationship with God

Sins of Commission

purposely doing an action that is harmful to oneself or another.

Sins of Omission

not doing something when we should have.

Sinful social structure

ways societies are structures result in unjust distribution of power, benefits, and privileges.

Social sin

sinful social conditions or institutions that do not embody God's law of love. Ex. when people accumulate wealth without contributing to society through work

Character

the attributes and features that make up our individuality

Virtues

good qualities, positive habits and patterns of behavior, help us to build and strengthen our character

Vices

bad qualities, habits and patterns of behavior, weaken our character

Freedom

the ability to ponder, reflect, question, decide and act responsibly

Theological virtues

good habits or positive character traits that originate from God (faith, hope, love)

Cardinal virtues

Personal character strengths that provide discipline in our life, help us live a good life (prudence, temperance, fortitude)

Prudence

making sensible choices in the moment, helps us make correct practical judgements

Temperance

self control, helps us have a balanced attitude towards life

Fortitude

perseverance in pursuing something good, giving us strength when confronted with difficulties

Integrity

An overall consistency in behavior patterns, Living and practicing what you say

Genuine

being honest or true to yourself

Stated values

values we claim are important to us

Lived values

values we demonstrate in our actions

Virtue ethics

an approach to ethics centered on the person (rather than the action).