Ethics: The Human Act Overview

Questions and Answers

What defines a Human Act?

Actions that proceed from insight and free will (correct)

Actions influenced by deterministic forces

Spontaneous biological processes

Actions performed by the body without intellect

Which characteristic must a Human Act possess?

It must be knowing and deliberate (correct)

It must occur spontaneously

It must be involuntary

It must be performed by an unconscious individual

What differentiates Human Acts from Acts of Man?

Acts of Man are performed intentionally

Human Acts arise from free judgment and intellect (correct)

Human Acts lack free will

Acts of Man involve deliberate thought

Which of the following would NOT be classified as a Human Act?

An individual acting while intoxicated Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Human Acts, what is deliberation?

Focused attention and knowledge regarding an action Signup and view all the answers

What term describes actions performed without the influence of intellect and free will?

Acts of Man Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a requirement for a Human Act to be considered moral?

It must be guided by reason and intention Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT typically associated with human actions according to their definition?

Deterministic forces Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a human act?

It must be performed freely. Signup and view all the answers

What does authentic freedom entail?

The empowerment to choose the good, truth, and justice. Signup and view all the answers

Which component primarily defines a voluntary act?

It is an act performed from a knowledge of the intended end. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the morality of a human act?

The object chosen, the intention, and the circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

In the example given of a BU student, what does the action of not wearing the ID illustrate?

Voluntary disobedience of rules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes deliberation in the context of human acts?

Knowledge and awareness of conditions and implications. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between freedom and moral actions?

True freedom leads to moral accountability. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'finis operis' refer to in the context of human acts?

The object of the action. Signup and view all the answers

What does the object of a moral act represent?

The matter about which something is done Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario demonstrates a doubly good act?

Teaching underprivileged children how to read to improve their future Signup and view all the answers

What outcome results from combining a bad action with a bad intention?

Doubly bad act Signup and view all the answers

Which situation illustrates that a good act may become morally evil?

Providing food to the needy to make oneself look good Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an indifferent act is executed with a good intention?

It becomes morally good Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates an indifferent act that becomes morally bad?

Writing stories to slander a rival Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between intention and moral acts?

Intention can significantly affect the moral value of an act Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario does a bad action not become good despite a good intention?

Cheating to maintain a scholarship Signup and view all the answers

What is a circumstance that can affect the moral responsibility of an action?

The intent behind the action Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following circumstances may diminish the goodness of an action?

Performing a good act with a selfish motive Signup and view all the answers

What principle states that a human act must align with three elements to be morally good?

The act must have a good object, intention, and circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

How can circumstances turn an indifferent act into a punishable one?

By involving unlawful or inappropriate behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following illustrates a circumstance that can change the perception of a moral act?

A donation made publicly to gain favor Signup and view all the answers

Which circumstance is considered when evaluating the 'where' of an action?

The physical location and environment of the action Signup and view all the answers

What will happen if any one of the three elements for a human act is deficient?

The act may be considered morally evil. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of evaluating the 'how' in circumstances affecting actions?

It considers the conditions like consent or violence involved. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Human Acts

Human Acts (Actus Humani) arise from a conscious understanding of purpose and free will.
Distinguished from Acts of Man (actus hominis), which lack intellectual and voluntary control.
Actions performed involuntarily, like biological functions or those by individuals lacking reason (e.g., unconsciousness, intoxication), do not qualify as Human Acts.

Constituents of Human Acts

Must be knowing and deliberate: Requires awareness and understanding of implications before acting.
Must be free: Human Acts are determined by free will, allowing the choice to act or refrain from acting without external compulsion.
Must be voluntary: Acts stem from internal motivations with awareness of goals, requiring a conscious choice from the agent.

Morality of Human Acts

Morality is assessed based on three sources:
- Object Chosen: The direct effect of the action, fundamentally describing the moral act. For example, eating preserves life, while stealing violates it.
- Intention/Motive: The reason behind the action. A good intention can enhance a good action, while a bad intention can worsen the morality of an act.
- Circumstances: Factors that may modify the moral weight of the act, such as the who, where, what, why, when, how, and by what means of the action.

Principles of Intention

Good acts paired with good intentions increase moral goodness.
Bad actions are compounded by bad intentions, making them doubly bad.
Good acts can become morally evil through bad intentions (e.g., donating to seduce).
Evil acts cannot be justified, even with good intentions.
Neutral actions gain moral weight based on intentions, altering their classification (good or bad).

Impact of Circumstances

Circumstances influence the moral responsibility associated with actions, potentially intensifying or mitigating the severity of the act.
Example: Stealing from a poor farmer is more reprehensible than stealing from a wealthy individual.
An indifferent action can turn punishable based on context, like sleeping on duty.

Moral Assessment

A Human Act is considered morally good if it meets the perfection criteria across object, intention, and circumstances. Any deficiency renders the act morally evil.
Quote: “Bonum ex integra causa; malum ex quocumque defectu” meaning good derives from completeness; evil arises from any defect.

Reflective Applications

Scenarios encourage practical application of previously discussed principles:
- Case of a would-be donor whose money was stolen before a charitable act raises questions about moral intention.
- Case of robbers whose plans are thwarted by an unexpected event reflects on moral culpability in the absence of action.

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Description

This quiz delves into the fundamental concepts of ethics as presented in Fernandino J. Pancho's 'The Human Act.' It explores the interplay between morality, understanding, and personal development through a series of thought-provoking questions. Prepare to reflect on your ethical principles and enhance your comprehension of human actions.