Key Definitions:
Morality: Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.
Ethics: Study of moral principles that govern behavior.
Virtue Ethics (Aristotle): Focuses on developing good character traits.
Deontological Ethics (Kant): Emphasizes duty and universal moral laws.
Levinas' Ethics: Centers on responsibility to the "Other."
Focus Details:
Strengths & Weaknesses of Theories:
Aristotle: Practical focus but may exclude non-virtuous people.
Kant: Clear principles but rigid and inflexible.
Levinas: Emphasizes relationships but subjective.
Why be ethical?
To build trust, respect, and a harmonious society.
What makes an experience ethical/moral?
Intentions, actions, and their consequences align with moral principles.
Key Definitions:
Determinism: Belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by prior causes.
Naturalism: Philosophy that everything arises from natural properties and causes.
Human Agency: Capacity to act and make choices.
Focus Details:
Capacity to Act: Freedom and responsibility make humans ethical beings.
Human Freedom: Essential for ethical decision-making; allows personal growth.
Role of Values: Guide actions and decisions, shaping ethics.
Problems with Naturalism: Undermines free will, simplifies human behavior.
Freud’s Instincts:
Eros (Life Instinct): Drives survival, reproduction, and pleasure.
Thanatos (Death Instinct): Pushes towards aggression and self-destruction.
Key Definitions:
Conscience: Inner sense of right and wrong guiding actions.
Moral Character: Traits influencing ethical decisions.
Focus Details:
My Brother’s Keeper: Responsibility to care for others (Genesis 4:9).
Dangers of Narcissism: Leads to self-centeredness and neglect of others.
Conscience vs. Guilt: Conscience is a guide; guilt is an emotional response.
Developing Conscience: Education, reflection, prayer, and experience.
Key Definitions:
Kingdom of God: God’s reign of justice, love, and peace.
Gospel Ethics: Moral teachings of Jesus emphasizing love and mercy.
Focus Details:
Heart of Jesus’ Message: Love, mercy, and humility.
Comparison to Moses: Jesus brings a deeper ethical fulfillment to the Law.
Eschatological Ethics: Future-oriented ethics based on the Kingdom of God.
Ethical Repercussions: Living justly, loving others, and acting mercifully.
Key Definitions:
Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance.
The Good Life: Fulfillment through virtuous living.
Focus Details:
Aristotle’s Good: Achieved by reason and living virtuously.
Role of Institutions: Support justice and fairness in society.
Relationship Between Ethics & Happiness: True happiness arises from virtuous living.
Key Definitions:
Norms: Standards or principles guiding behavior.
Natural Law: Moral principles inherent in human nature.
Focus Details:
Norms vs. Laws vs. Rules:
Norms: General principles.
Laws: Enforceable rules.
Rules: Specific guidelines.
Common Good: Benefits shared by all, like education and safety.
Natural Law: Acts in harmony with human nature and reason.
Key Definitions:
Covenant: Sacred agreement with God.
Sacramental Love: Spiritual and self-giving love.
Focus Details:
Creation Story: Man and woman are partners.
Indissolubility: Marriage is lifelong and unbreakable.
Beyond Attraction: Marriage is about mutual sacrifice, commitment, and love.
Key Definitions:
Domestic Church: Family as the first environment for faith and ethics.
Common Good: Families nurture ethical citizens for society.
Focus Details:
Ethical Formation: Families teach values, love, and responsibility.
Strong Families: Characterized by communication, trust, love, and faith.
Jeremiah 1:5: Human life is sacred from conception.