Theology III - Moral Act

STOP Method

A method for making moral decisions

S in STOP method

Search out the facts

T in STOP method

Think about alternatives

O in STOP method

Consult others and consider their perspectives

P in STOP method

Pray to God for guidance

Prudence

The virtue that inclines us to lead good, ethical, and moral lives

Right reason

Using logical and ethical thinking to make decisions

Moral Object

The action or behavior being evaluated in terms of morality

Intention/Motive

The purpose or reason behind an action

Circumstance

The context or situation in which an action takes place

Intrinsically Evil Acts

Actions that are hostile to life, violate human integrity, and offend human dignity

Culpability

Responsibility or blameworthiness for an action

Vincible Ignorance

Ignorance that could have been overcome with reasonable effort

Invincible Ignorance

Ignorance that is genuine and cannot be overcome

Reasoning

Taking responsibility and using intellect in decision-making

Rationalizing

Blaming others and using self-serving excuses

Three Parts to a Moral Act

moral object, intention, circumstances

2 rules for governing intentions

1. keep the intention good

2. the end does not justify the means

Things that can lessen culpability

Violence, fear, mental illness, ignorance

circumstances can....

Increase or decrease the moral goodness or evil of an action, diminish culpability