The Sources of Morality

The Object

• The basic factor of morality: the

action.

• The substance of the moral act

• ‘The object is not a matter of which (a

thing is made) but the matter about

which something is done.’

-St. Thomas

• Must be in conformity with reason.

• Actions are identified as:

§ Objectively/Intrinsically Evil

§ Objectively/Intrinsically Good

§ Indifferent

The Motive

• The purpose or intention for the

sake of which something is

done.

• The reason behind the acting.

• The one which makes an action

moral or immoral, ethical or

unethical.

• The substance of the act. That

which will be answerable to

God’s judgment.

The Circumstances

The conditions modifying the human act.

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