Morality of Human Acts and Accountability

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Questions and Answers

What is the effect of aggravating circumstances on an act?

They introduce a new type of moral good or evil.

They decrease the moral implications of the act.

They enhance the degree of moral good or evil in the act. (correct)

They negate the existing moral value of the act.

Which type of ignorance refers to a lack of knowledge that a person has no way to obtain?

Acquired Ignorance

Vincible Ignorance

Habitual Ignorance

Invincible Ignorance (correct)

Fear is characterized as what type of mental disturbance?

A feeling that leads to moral excellence.

A result of ignorance about a situation.

A rational reflection that promotes a decision.

An emotional response to impending danger. (correct)

What does passion or concupiscence refer to specifically?

Bodily appetites and tendencies expressed through feelings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a modifier of human acts?

Impulse Signup and view all the answers

How does specifying circumstances affect an act?

It introduces a new distinct species of moral good or evil. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of norm relates primarily to societal cohesion?

Societal Norm Signup and view all the answers

What defines violence in terms of human acts?

Physical force exerted on a person to compel action against their will. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a human act from an act of man?

Human acts stem from conscious knowledge and free will. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of a human act?

Involves deliberation and conscious intent. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is not considered a major determinant of the morality of human acts?

The personal relationship of the agent involved. Signup and view all the answers

What type of circumstances can diminish the moral value of an act?

Mitigating or extenuating circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What is a common example of a human act?

Telling the truth Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes acts of man?

They are instinctual and without deliberation. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a necessary condition for an act to be classified as a human act?

It must be performed by a conscious agent. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary question that the motive of an act answers?

Why does the person do what he or she does? Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definitions of Human Acts

Human acts (Actus Humani) arise from conscious insight and free will.
Actions demonstrating awareness, freedom, and consent qualify as human acts.
Acts of man relate to actions performed instinctively, lacking deliberation or choice.

Examples of Actions

Human Acts: telling the truth, attending school, submitting assignments.
Acts of Man: involuntary actions like breathing, heartbeat, and digestion.

Basic Elements of Human Acts

Deliberation: Acts must be performed by agents conscious of their actions and consequences.
Freedom: Acts require the agent's voluntary decision-making ability.
Voluntariness: Agents must willfully choose to perform the act.

Determinants of Morality of Human Acts

Act Itself: Evaluates the nature of the action performed.
Motive: Reflects the purpose behind the action answering "why" it was done.
Circumstances: Context surrounding the act influences its moral value.

Types of Circumstances Affecting Morality

Mitigating Circumstances: Reduce moral weight of an act.
Aggravating Circumstances: Increase moral weight without adding new moral categories.
Justifying Circumstances: Provide adequate reasons for an action.
Specifying Circumstances: Introduce a distinct moral classification for the act.

Modifiers of Human Acts

Modifiers impact inner dispositions relating to knowledge, freedom, and voluntariness.

Ignorance as a Modifier

Ignorance denotes the absence of necessary knowledge for a situation.
Types of Ignorance:
- Invincible Ignorance: Knowledge unavailable to the person.
- Vincible Ignorance: Knowledge that could be acquired with effort.

Other Modifiers

Passion or Concupiscence: Influences from emotional states such as fear or love.
Fear: A mental disturbance concerning imminent danger to oneself or loved ones.
Violence: Physical force applied to compel an action against a person's will.
Habit: Repetitive actions leading to fixed behavior patterns.

Technical Norm: Addresses physical and practical needs, such as cleaning methods.
Societal Norm: Pertains to community cohesion and shared behaviors.
Aesthetic Norm: Relates to perceptions of beauty and sensory experiences.

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Description

Explore the intricate concepts surrounding the morality of human acts and the implications of moral accountability. This quiz delves into definitions and frameworks that guide ethical behavior, providing a comprehensive overview of moral philosophy. Ideal for those studying ethics or moral theory.