18 Questions
What distinguishes human acts from acts of man and animals?
Conscious knowledge and free will
In the context of human acts, what does it mean for an act to be deliberate?
Performed with full understanding of consequences
Which element must be present in a human act to ensure the act is done freely?
Volition and personal choice
What is the key factor that differentiates human acts from the acts done by animals?
Presence of consciousness and free will
What makes an agent responsible for their action?
Acting with fear
Which of the following is a major determinant used to evaluate the morality of human acts?
Consequences of the act
What is the key difference between voluntary and involuntary acts?
Voluntary acts make a person morally accountable, whereas involuntary acts do not.
Why is voluntariness an essential element in determining human acts?
To distinguish intentional actions from unintentional ones
What does violence refer to according to the text?
Any force used to compel a person to act against their will
How can one offer intrinsic resistance when confronted by violence?
By withholding consent and not physically resisting
What is necessary to exclude voluntariness from an action according to the text?
Being forced to do something against one's will
How is habit defined based on the text?
A readiness for action in a certain manner due to repeated acts
What is the role of circumstances in relation to human acts?
Circumstances may either increase or decrease the wrongfulness of an evil act.
How does vincible ignorance differ from invincible ignorance?
Vincible ignorance can be easily remedied through reasonable efforts, while invincible ignorance cannot be corrected.
What distinguishes affected ignorance from invincible ignorance?
Affected ignorance is the absence of necessary knowledge that one ought to have, while invincible ignorance is correctable.
How does vincible ignorance affect the accountability over an act?
Vincible ignorance lessens the accountability over an act.
In what way does invincible ignorance render an act involuntary?
By excusing the person from liability due to lack of awareness.
How do circumstances affect the merits of a good act?
Circumstances can increase or decrease the merits of a good act.
Study Notes
Human Acts
- Human acts are distinguished from acts of man and animals by the presence of deliberation, freedom, and voluntariness.
- An act is deliberate when it is done with full knowledge and consent.
Freedom and Voluntariness
- Freedom is an essential element in human acts, ensuring that the act is done willingly and without external constraints.
- Voluntariness is crucial in determining human acts, as it implies that the agent is responsible for their action.
Morality of Human Acts
- The morality of human acts is largely determined by the intention and circumstances surrounding the act.
Voluntary and Involuntary Acts
- Voluntary acts are those that are done with full knowledge and consent, while involuntary acts are those that are done under external constraints or without full knowledge.
- Voluntariness is essential in determining human acts, as it implies that the agent is responsible for their action.
Violence and Resistance
- Violence refers to the use of external force to constrain an individual's freedom.
- Intrinsic resistance can be offered in response to violence by resisting the external force and maintaining one's freedom.
Ignorance and Accountability
- Vincible ignorance occurs when an individual neglects to acquire knowledge that would have altered their action, making them accountable for their act.
- Invincible ignorance, on the other hand, occurs when an individual is unable to acquire knowledge despite their efforts, rendering their act involuntary.
- Affected ignorance is distinct from invincible ignorance, as it involves a deliberate avoidance of knowledge.
Habit and Circumstances
- Habit is the result of repeated actions that become automatic, influencing an individual's behavior.
- Circumstances play a crucial role in human acts, as they can affect the morality and merits of an action.
Accountability and Involuntary Acts
- Vincible ignorance reduces an individual's accountability for their act, while invincible ignorance renders an act entirely involuntary.
Learn about the definition of human acts as actions that result from insight and free will, according to Paul Glenn. Explore the concept of human acts as conscious decisions made by individuals in various situations.
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