Unit 6 - Elements of a Moral Act & Freedom and Conscience

Consequentialism

An error in moral theology that says we should judge an action by the good or evil consequences that follow and not by whether or not the act itself (objectively) reflects the natural law. The correct view is that while consequences matter, actions should be judged by the moral object, the circumstances, and the intention.

Proportionalism

Error in moral theology that says the good or evil of an act is to be judged by the comparison of its good effects to its evil effects, and the act is good if the good effect outweighs the bad effect. The correct view is that while this comparison of effects is an element in certain types of moral situations, the act must be judged by the moral object, the circumstances, and the intention.

Intrinsic Evil

a deed that can never be justified or done for good; examples are murder and rape

Moral Agent

the person conducting the moral act

Freedom of Excellence

experience of using one's freedom wisely in order to act make choices that fulfill our human nature and divine calling

Conscience

a judgment of reason whereby the person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete (not hypothetical) act in his own past or near future

Moral Object

the deed itself; most important part of moral act; the "what"

Circumstances

the conditions surrounding a moral act; the "who, where, when, how much, etc."

Intentions

moral agent's desired result from a moral action; the least important part of a moral act; the "why"

Situation Ethics

Error in moral theology that says the goodness or evil of a given action is determined by the particular situation. The correct view is that while the situation (circumstances) can play a role in determining the good or evil of an action, it is not the sole or most important factor.

Culpable

guilty

Invincible ignorance

ignorance that a moral agent is not responsible for, because he could not have found out the truth; relieves guilt in an otherwise evil act

Raw Freedom

the basic ability to "do whatever" that is part of human nature

Vincible Ignorance

ignorance that a moral agent IS responsible for, because the ignorance is a result of laziness and lack of due diligence; does NOT relieve guilt in an evil act