Christian Ethics

Definition of Ethics

  • Ethics is characterized as:

    • Empirical study of moral decisions

    • Concerned with right and wrong

    • Often viewed as a philosophy of universal ideals.

Understanding of Science and Morality

  • Science: A systematically organized body of knowledge.

  • Morality: Quality of human acts, categorized as good, bad, or indifferent.

Nature of Man

  • Composition: Body and Soul

  • Characteristics: Has will and intellect.

    • Morality and Action: Actions based on knowledge of what is a 'better good'.

    • Accountability: Man is accountable for actions and can act freely.

Human Acts Defined

  • Human Acts: Intentional or deliberate actions.

  • Acts of Man: Involuntary and instinctive actions.

Elements of Human Acts

  • Knowledge, Freedom, Voluntariness.

  • Sources of Human Actions:

    • Object: The act itself (what).

    • End: Intention/purpose (why).

    • Circumstances: Context adding moral dimension.

Importance of Ethics

  • Ethical understanding helps determine right from wrong.

  • Encourages careful decisions.

  • Promotes responsible behavior, and sensitivity towards others' needs.

Ethics vs. Moral Theology

  • Ethics/Moral Philosophy: Relies on human reason; investigates truths independently.

  • Moral Theology: Employs reason, informed by faith/divine revelation.

Moral Standards

  • Define rules about morally right and wrong actions

    • Example of non-moral standards.

  • Characteristics of moral standards - serious harm or benefits, preferred over other values, not established by authority, universality, and impartial considerations.

Characteristics of Moral Standards

  • Serious impact on human beings

  • Overriding authority nature

  • Not established by authority figures

  • Universal applicability

  • Impartial considerations that do not favor any specific individual or group.

Norms of Morality and Law

  • Law Definition: Ordinance of reason established for the common good by an authority.

  • Types of Law:

    • Eternal Law

    • Natural Law

    • Positive Law

Conscience

  • Definition: Practical judgment of reason regarding actions.

  • States of Conscience:

    • Right or True Conscience

    • Erroneous Conscience

    • Certain Conscience

    • Doubtful Conscience

    • Scrupulous Conscience

    • Lax Conscience.

Freedom in Kantian Ethics

  • Kant's Concepts of Freedom:

    • Empirical Freedom: Choices influenced by external factors.

    • Transcendental Freedom: Ability to act according to moral principles, independent of external constraints.

Culture and Ethics

  • Explains culture as characteristics, behaviors, and shared practices of a community.

  • Culture reflects moral beliefs and influences moral behavior.

Moral Behavior and Development

  • Moral Reasoning: Differentiating right from wrong through logic.

  • Components of moral behavior include moral sensitivity, judgment, motivation, and character.

Cultural Relativism

  • Understand culture on its own terms; no culture is superior.

  • Morality viewed within each culture's context.

Universal Values

  • Definition: Beliefs or ideas that hold value across cultures (e.g., peace, democracy, equality).

    • Includes Filipino values like ‘pakikisama,’ ‘utang na loob,’ and ‘hiya.'

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

  • Three levels of moral development:

    • Preconventional: Focus on avoiding punishment and self-interest.

    • Conventional: Emphasizes social approval and law.

    • Postconventional: Recognizes moral principles and rights.