Ethics: Determinants of Morality Module

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Questions and Answers

What is defined as the natural termination or completion of an act?

The Motive of the Doer

The Circumstances of the Act

The End of the Act (correct)

The End of the Doer

Which principle states that a good action done with an evil motive becomes evil?

Indifferent Action Principle

Good Action Principle (correct)

Evil Action Principle

Principle of Good Purpose

Which of the following best describes 'The End of the Doer'?

The motive behind an action (correct)

The outcome of an act

The historical context of an act

The completion of a task

Which interrogative pronoun is related to the motive behind an act?

Why Signup and view all the answers

What can transform an indifferent act into a good or bad one?

The motive behind the act Signup and view all the answers

What does the pronoun 'where' indicate in terms of criminal acts?

The location of the act Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a good motive as described in the module?

Being fair and just Signup and view all the answers

In the context of command responsibility, who has accountability for actions of those under them?

Persons in positions of authority Signup and view all the answers

What do circumstances of the act include?

The status, place, time, and intensity of the act Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does the pronoun 'what' refer to regarding legal acts?

The quality and quantity of the act Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles, which action is considered grievously wrong?

An evil act performed with an evil motive Signup and view all the answers

How does the pronoun 'who' affect the moral accountability of individuals?

It identifies the doer or recipient of the act Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between motive and action?

Motive can determine the morality of an action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of how 'with whom' can influence a crime's seriousness?

The number of accomplices involved Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'how' in the context of criminal acts?

The method in which the act is carried out Signup and view all the answers

Which circumstance typically increases the wrongfulness of an act?

The presence of aggravating factors Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a serious crime against humanity in the given context?

Terrorists exploding a bomb in public places Signup and view all the answers

Which type of law is made known to men by God and relates to moral acts?

Divine Positive Laws Signup and view all the answers

What factor can mitigate the severity of killing a tyrant according to the provided context?

The long-term oppression of the assailant Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes affirmative laws?

They require the performance of specific acts. Signup and view all the answers

In what situation can circumstances exempt someone from performing a required act?

When doing so would cause them significant hardship Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical property of a just human law?

It must align with divine laws. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT an example of heroism?

Helping another in expectation of a reward Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes human positive laws from divine positive laws?

Human positive laws are made by legitimate authority like the State or Church. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a human law?

To promote the common good Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a just human law?

It must impose undue hardships Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key components of the common good?

Economic prosperity Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what does it mean when a law is described as flexible?

It provides limits and basis for exemptions Signup and view all the answers

What does the saying 'the end does not justify the means' imply?

Outcomes do not determine the morality of actions Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about evil in the content?

Evil is inherent and cannot be changed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about moral actions?

Evil actions originate in the mind as thoughts before becoming acts Signup and view all the answers

What role does the mind play in the conception of evil, according to the content?

It is the source of both good and evil thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module: Determinants of Morality

Module Duration: Final Period, GE004
Instructor: Lani Y. Naval, LPT, MAEd
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 09605391225
Subject: Ethics with Peace Studies
Module Focus: Determinants of Morality

Learning Objectives

Discuss: Various determinants of Morality
Demonstrate: Connection between motive and action
Illustrate: Properties of a just law

Introduction

Morality: A perfect act is good (from the perfection of its parts); imperfect (from any defect)
Determinants of Morality: Factors used to distinguish good from evil acts.
- End of the act
- End of the doer
- Circumstances of the act

The Determinants of Morality

1. The End of the Act

Definition: Natural completion/termination of an action.
Examples:
- Eating: Satisfying hunger
- Basketball: Scoring a point
- Medication: Healing illness
Intrinsic/Extrinsic Good or Evil:
- Intrinsically good: Consistent with human nature
- Intrinsically evil: Contrary to reason (ex: murder, abortion)
- Extrinsically good/evil: Neutral, but the circumstances make it good or bad (ex: eating, overeating)
Prohibited Actions: Intrinsically evil acts are consistently prohibited.

2. The End of the Doer

Definition: Purpose or motive behind an action.
Good Motive: Honest, prudent, temperate, just.
Moral principle: "The end does not justify the means": Actions which lead to a good end or motive do not automatically justify actions that are inherently wrong.

3. Circumstances of the Act

Definition: Elements surrounding an action (who, what, where, when, why, how, with whom).
Who: Doer, recipient, status, relationships (ex: authority, age).
What: The act itself, quantity, quality of results (ex: quantity of items stolen in robbery).
Where: Location of the act (ex: in a church or a public place).
When: Time of the act (ex: at night, during sleep).
Why: The motive of the doer.
How: Manner of performing the act
With Whom: Other participants in the act.

Ethical Considerations

The reality of evil: Evil is real and exists, independent of mind, and stems from both good and evil motives.

Laws and Morality

Laws: A mandate of reason, promulgated by an authority, for the common good.

Types of Laws

Divine Positive Laws: God-given moral laws (Ten Commandments).
Human Positive Laws: Legislation by human authorities (laws of the state or Church).
Affirmative Laws: Require actions (ex: paying taxes, obeying traffic rules)
Negative Laws: Prohibit actions (ex: driving intoxicated, littering)

Just Laws

Properties of a Just Law:
- Conform to divine law
- Promote the common good
- Treat all individuals equally
- Be attainable or practical
- Flexible
- Amendable

Learning Resources:

Ethics & the Filipinos (Agapay, 2016)

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Description

Explore the key factors that shape moral decision-making in this comprehensive quiz. Delve into the connection between motives and actions, and understand the characteristics of just laws. Test your knowledge on how different determinants influence our perception of good and evil.