Human Act and Moral Reasoning

These flashcards cover the definitions and concepts related to human acts, their characteristics, types, modifiers, and the moral reasoning model.

Human Act

An action performed by a person that is voluntary and has moral and legal consequences.

Act of Man

Actions performed by individuals that do not involve free will or intellect, often instinctual.

Essential Elements of Human Act

Includes knowledge, freedom, and volunteerism.

Elicited Acts

Acts that are under the sole control of the will.

Commanded Acts

Acts completed by the will through another medium but still commanded by the will.

Wish

A desire or inclination towards something good or valuable.

Intention

A tendency towards something realizable or attainable.

Counsel

Disposition of the will that determines the best means to attain a desired end.

Consent

An agreement between will and intellect toward a definite choice of means.

Choice

A commitment by the agent to follow the chosen means.

Command

The interplay between intellect and will, where intellect orders the will to act.

Ignorance

The absence of knowledge; being uninformed about facts, laws, or penalties.

Concupiscence

The tendency to prefer sensual gratification over moral or spiritual well-being.

Fear

Apprehension of impending harm or danger that disturbs the mind.

Violence

Unjust exercise of force usually accompanied by outrage or fury.

Habit

A condition acquired by custom that inclines a person to perform the same actions with ease.

7 Step Moral Reasoning Model

A framework to resolve moral dilemmas by clarifying facts and ethical issues.

Gather the Facts

The first step in addressing complex moral dilemmas by collecting all relevant information.

Comparing the alternatives with the principles

Weighing the potential actions against established moral principles to guide decision-making.