Virtue Ethics/ Moral Decision Making

Virtue Ethics

Doing good because its make you and others happy

The Golden Mean

Aristotles idea that virtue lies in between 2 vices (deficiency and excess), leading to eudimonia

Soul

The innermost aspect of man, that which is greatest value in him, that by which he is most especially in God’s image

Sin

An offense against God as well as fault against reason, truth and right conscience. A deliberate thought, word, deed or omission contrary to the Eternal Law of God.

Eternal Law

Order in creation that reflects God’s will and purpose; always true and never changes; we can come to know it using our reason

Vice

A habit acquired by repeated sin (often linked with 7 deadly sins) that inclines someone to further sin

Virtue

A habitual and firm disposition to do the good

Character

The combination of a person’s virtues and vices which influence one’s behavior

Sin of commission

Sin as the direct result of a freely chosen thought, word or deed

Sin of omission

Sin as a result of a failure to do something required by God’s moral Law

Venial sin

Less serious offense against the will of God that diminishes one’s personal character and weakens (but does not break) one’s relationship with God

Mortal Sin

Action so contrary to the will of God that it results in a complete separation from God and his graces. Must involve grave matter, full knowledge and full consent.

Deadly (Capital) sins

The bases of other sins

Pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth

Moral (Cardinal) Virtues

Virtues that help us live within the moral parameters set forth by the gospel; we can increase these virtues through our own effort; prudence, justice, fortiutude and temperance

Prudence

Helps us make a correct judgement about what to do and to choose the best way to do it

Justice

Asserts that all people have rights and should have their basic needs met; “the firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due”

Fortitude

Courage; strength when confronted with difficulties and perseverance in pursuing that which is good

Temperance

Self-control and balanced lifestyle

Theological Virtures

Virtues that help us to live in relationship with the Holy Trinity; We cannot develop them on our own/ without God’s help; faith, hope and charity (love)

Faith

A personal adherence to God; “the theological virtue by which we believe in God and all thathe has said and revealed to us”

Hope

“The theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit”

Charity (Love)

“The theological virtue by which we love God above all things for His own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God”

Resume virtues

Skills you bring to the marketplace

Eulogy virtues

Virtues talked about at your funeral (kind, honest, brave, faithful, etc.)

Agere contra

Attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola, this Latin phrase literally meaning “to work against,” encourages us to combat sin and vice by acting in ways that are completely the opposite of those sins or vices which are most challenging to us

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Agere Contra is attributed to him

Pesha (rebellion)

Transgression against the Eternal Law of God

Chata (missing the mark)

Not being exactly perfect, can miss the mark to varying degrees

Hardness of heart

Uncaring (like pharaoh in OT)

Falling short

Similar to missing the mark

Darkness vs. light

Shine a light on good and hide evil in the dark

God made light and good works are done in His image

Morality

The goodness/ evilness of a person’s actions

Conscience

Judgement of reason whereby a person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act they’re going to perform, in the process of performing of has already completed

Informed Conscience

Conscience educated and developed through constant use and examination

Erroneous Conscience

Conscience in which the person thinks they are choosing right, but they are not; following conscience leads to wrong decsion they think is right; ignorant conscience (wrongly fed through society or own fault)

Lax Conscience

Doesn’t hear God’s voice although it is speaking; doesn’t consider whether a decision is right/ wrong or empty conscientious decision making

Primary Comscience

Church teaching that you should follow conscience over what the Church teaches as long as you have educated your conscience

Object

The choice that was made

Intention

Goal of the person choosing the object

Circumstances

Situation/ context

Consequences

Results of an act

Culpability

Degree of responsibility assigned to the agent

What is the importance of conscience in formation and virtue to living a good life?

Virtue helps us make the right decisions and build strong relationships, as well as develop qualities that will help us be better people overall. Courage helps us stand up for others, respect and love mean we help everyone no matter their circumstances, etc.

Informed conscience help us make the right decisions and help others when we follow it like those who helped kids being “kidnapped” in the video

How does Bishop Feehan prepare students for eudaimonia?

Theology Class and Mass teach us how to live a good life and follow the word of God.

School Spirit and Clubs bring us closer together, create new relationships and create a safe community we can lean on

Classes help develop resume virtues, too. We are able to learn things that interest us (electives) and have amazing teachers who help us learn

Classes push us to be the best we can be (Eulogy)