Morality and Its Three Parts

Questions and Answers

What are the three parts of morality?

Social Morality, Internal morality (character), Morality in terms of a higher power

Why is it most important to address the third part of morality first?

We need to understand why our morality matters and what goal we are trying to reach before we start pursuing it.

Why is it important to address the second part of morality before the first?

You cannot do good to others unless you work on cultivating good in yourself.

Why does C.S. Lewis dislike the idea of moral 'idealism'?

People have different ideals, but moral law is a consistent standard; also, idealism does not allow for correction of mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four cardinal virtues?

Prudence, Temperance, Justice, Fortitude Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cardinal' actually mean?

Pivotal Signup and view all the answers

How has the word Temperance been restricted in modern times?

Temperance now usually means teetotalism or total abstinence, limiting its broader application. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a man who does just actions and a just man?

A just man seeks to do just actions as part of his character, while anyone might randomly do just actions. Signup and view all the answers

What are three reasons it is important to recognize the difference between just actions and a just man?

<ol> <li>Motive matters more than action. 2. God desires character formation. 3. Virtue development is significant for eternity.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have prudence as a Christian?

Exercising wisdom helps become a more moral person. Signup and view all the answers

What is true of good moral teachings according to C.S. Lewis?

They do not focus on saying anything new but remind us of what we easily forget. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Christianity and the Church regarding social issues?

To embody what is right through everyday actions rather than through politics. Signup and view all the answers

What are five characteristics of a Christian society according to C.S. Lewis?

<ol> <li>Everyone must work and produce. 2. Practice of obedience. 3. Minimal anxiety among people. 4. Socialistic with no interest lending. 5. Generosity to the poor.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What does Lewis mean by the phrase, 'For the longest way round is the shortest way home'?

To achieve a truly moral society, we must learn to obey God's ways instead of relying on human methods. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is psychoanalysis contradictory to Christianity?

It claims to improve moral behavior by addressing feelings influencing choices, rather than the choices themselves. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the illustration with the three men who go to war.

One man becomes brave through moral effort, while two others face their fears through counseling but one still chooses selfish actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lewis' 'one last point' in chapter 4?

The better a man becomes, the more he understands his own evil. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the moral direction a man is headed more important than a single action?

Each act either leads to becoming more evil or a better person; ignoring inner evil is more dangerous than any single act. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Three Parts of Morality

Social Morality: Actions and principles relevant to society.
Internal Morality (Character): Personal virtues and self-regulation.
Morality in Terms of a Higher Power: Spiritual standards guiding moral actions.
Understanding the significance and objectives of morality (third part) is essential before pursuing moral actions.
Developing personal virtues (second part) is crucial for actions towards others to be genuinely good.

C.S. Lewis's View on Moral Idealism

Diverse Ideals: Individuals have various moral beliefs; morality should have a consistent universal standard.
Limitations of Idealism: Simply striving to do right without correcting mistakes lacks a true moral framework, similar to resolving errors in arithmetic.

Cardinal Virtues

Prudence: Wisdom and common sense guiding decisions.
Temperance: Balance and restraint in actions and desires.
Justice: Fair treatment and decision-making.
Fortitude: Strength and perseverance in facing challenges.

Meaning of "Cardinal"

Refers to something pivotal or essential, akin to a door hinge, crucial to moral foundation.

Modern Misunderstanding of Temperance

Temperance is often defined narrowly as total abstinence from alcohol.
This restriction leads to neglect of self-control in other areas of life.

Distinction Between Virtuous Individuals and Actions

A just or temperate individual embodies virtue continuously, while anyone can randomly perform virtuous acts without internalizing them.
Recognizing this distinction is vital for:
- Understanding the importance of motives over actions.
- Aligning with God's desire for genuine moral character.
- Appreciating the significance of virtue in an eternal context.

Importance of Prudence in Christianity

Jesus's teaching emphasizes balancing gentleness with wisdom.
Wisdom is vital for ethical living and decision-making.

Nature of Good Moral Teachings

Effective moral instruction revisits and reinforces familiar principles that people often overlook.
Genuine moral teachings are not novel but serve to refresh existing knowledge.

Christianity should influence society through moral living rather than direct political engagement.
Individuals apply Christian values to their respective fields, promoting ethical practices in various contexts.

Vision of a Christian Society According to C.S. Lewis

Emphasis on the importance of work and productivity.
Universal obedience and adherence to principles are expected.
A society with reduced anxiety levels among its members.
A social structure devoid of interest through a socialistic approach.
Culture of generosity and charity towards the less fortunate.

Meaning of "The Longest Way Round is the Shortest Way Home"

Achieving a moral society requires understanding divine principles over reliance on human methods.
Following God's ways, though seemingly inefficient, leads to the desired ethical outcomes.

Contradictions in Psychoanalysis and Christianity

Psychoanalysis often addresses inherent human weaknesses rather than moral choices, creating tension with Christian values.
Despite these differences, both recognize the need to improve the individual's potential.

Illustration of Three Soldiers in War

Soldiers illustrate self-directed choices irrespective of improving life circumstances.
One soldier chooses courage through personal effort, while others rely on external counsel but still must make moral choices.
The internal moral choice remains critical despite the absence of fear or external barriers.

Lewis's Final Point in Chapter 4

Moral growth brings awareness of one's inner evil; the most immoral individuals may lack understanding of their wrongdoings.
Knowledge of one's moral failings is essential for true improvement.

Importance of Moral Direction

Continuous actions guide a person’s moral trajectory, either towards goodness or evil.
Ignoring one’s inner evil is more perilous than any singular immoral act, as it allows negative traits to take root and flourish.

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Description

Explore the fundamental components of morality in this quiz, focusing on social morality, internal character, and morality in relation to a higher power. Understand the significance of addressing these parts in a specific order for a comprehensive view of moral development.