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Questions and Answers
What does the term 'moral agent' primarily refer to?
What does the term 'moral agent' primarily refer to?
- A being capable of friendship
- A being that acts only out of self-interest
- A being who performs acts according to moral standards (correct)
- A being that has no understanding of ethics
Which of the following is an essential characteristic of a moral agent?
Which of the following is an essential characteristic of a moral agent?
- Ability to always follow moral laws without exception
- Unquestioning adherence to societal norms
- Capacity to rise above emotions to act for moral law (correct)
- Complete lack of self-interest
What is a sufficient condition for being considered a moral agent?
What is a sufficient condition for being considered a moral agent?
- Complete autonomy from societal expectations
- Inherent knowledge of right and wrong without external influence
- Capacity to conform to external moral standards (correct)
- Ability to obey moral laws out of genuine moral feelings
According to the content, whose explanation emphasizes the necessity of moral considerations for moral agency?
According to the content, whose explanation emphasizes the necessity of moral considerations for moral agency?
Which of the following statements is true regarding human acts?
Which of the following statements is true regarding human acts?
What does the term 'mores' refer to in the context of morality?
What does the term 'mores' refer to in the context of morality?
What role do prudential reasons, such as fear of punishment, play in moral agency?
What role do prudential reasons, such as fear of punishment, play in moral agency?
Which of the following best captures the essence of 'morality is for persons'?
Which of the following best captures the essence of 'morality is for persons'?
What distinguishes a moral agent from a non-moral agent?
What distinguishes a moral agent from a non-moral agent?
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what is the ultimate end for moral agents?
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, what is the ultimate end for moral agents?
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of summum bonum?
Which of the following statements best describes the concept of summum bonum?
What does the first Thomistic principle state about moral agents?
What does the first Thomistic principle state about moral agents?
What is meant by the term 'purpose-driven moral agent'?
What is meant by the term 'purpose-driven moral agent'?
How does the moral agency of humans differ from that of animals or robots?
How does the moral agency of humans differ from that of animals or robots?
In the context of moral actions, what is meant by 'ultimate end'?
In the context of moral actions, what is meant by 'ultimate end'?
What is emphasized as a moral act in relation to a person's potentials?
What is emphasized as a moral act in relation to a person's potentials?
What is implied by saying 'morality is for persons'?
What is implied by saying 'morality is for persons'?
What does the phrase 'every human act is directed toward an end' reflect?
What does the phrase 'every human act is directed toward an end' reflect?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Moral Agency
- The concept of "moral" originates from the Latin "mores," denoting societal norms and standards.
- "Agent" stems from "agere," which means to do or act; thus, a moral agent performs actions aligned with moral standards.
- A moral agent is capable of actions classified as good or evil in a moral context, making them the moral actor.
Characteristics of a Moral Agent
- A moral agent possesses the capacity for human acts, which are under personal control and rationality.
- Compliance with moral laws, even from a place of fear of consequences, qualifies one as a moral agent.
- The ability to act for moral reasons and not merely self-interest is essential for full moral agency.
- Insanity or lack of rationality excludes individuals, like dogs or robots, from moral agency due to their inability to conform to moral standards.
The Purpose-Driven Nature of Moral Agency
- Moral actions are fundamentally purpose-driven; every act is directed towards an end or goal.
- According to Aristotle, the highest good, or summum bonum, is happiness, pursued for its own sake.
- St. Thomas Aquinas asserts that the ultimate end is God, with happiness being a primary goal of human actions.
Thomistic Principles of Moral Agency
- Every agent acts to achieve a specific end or purpose.
- Agents have an ultimate end that defines their moral trajectory, primarily centered around happiness and fulfillment.
- Human destiny includes not only achieving cultural and moral excellence but also attaining eternal happiness through the relationship with God.
- Moral actions are evaluated based on their alignment with human nature and potential, with the highest good being a union with God.
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