Philosophy: Aquinas and Human Inclinations

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Questions and Answers

What is the basis of moral realism as opposed to moral relativism?

Moral truths are subjective and can change over time.

Everything is justifiable based on personal opinion.

Moral values vary significantly across different cultures.

There exists a structured order of right and wrong. (correct)

Which inclination aligns with self-preservation in the context of natural law?

Acting in self-defense. (correct)

Altruism towards others.

Prioritizing community well-being over individual needs.

Engaging in unjust harm.

What question does natural law encourage individuals to ask regarding moral actions?

What is socially acceptable?

What benefits will I gain?

What is natural? (correct)

What do others expect of me?

Which of the following best describes the origin of natural law?

A concept originating from Greek stoics and non-religious traditions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does natural law support dialogue in a pluralist society?

It offers a foundation to discuss varying moral beliefs without conflict. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does AHP emphasize about freedom?

Freedom should be used to do good. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a human act according to the content?

Acts performed with sufficient freedom and knowledge (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which term distinguishes between actions based on levels of control?

Freedom of choice (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does a fundamental option impact human actions?

It shapes our moral choices significantly. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What diminishes moral responsibility according to the concepts presented?

Inadequate exercise of freedom and knowledge. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about judging actions of an individual?

Context and components of the act should be considered. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of personal acts within moral theology?

They involve a level of personal freedom and knowledge. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What forms the basis for the concept of moral culpability?

Awareness and freedom during the act. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory state about wrongdoing affecting freedom of choice?

Judgments must be contextualized by the freedom one had. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What impact does undue force have on human acts?

It can decrease moral culpability. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a morally mature conscience?

Integration of moral insights and skills (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a scrupulous conscience?

Always adheres to Church teachings regardless of context (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does a lax conscience typically approach moral decisions?

Seeks the easiest solutions available (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the worst combination in moral decision-making?

Erroneous + Certain + Lax (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the obligation concerning one's own conscience in relation to others' consciences?

To respect others’ consciences while following one's own (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is Synderesis primarily associated with?

The capacity to know and desire the good (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the self-evaluation aspect of conscience?

Evaluating one's striving to improve (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best represents the concept of Conscience 3?

A specific judgment of what one must do in a situation (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the general sense of conscience relate to natural law?

It detects a law not imposed by oneself (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does discernment in conscience primarily involve?

Determining the particular good or evil in a situation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of conscience reflects the idea of Relationality?

Hearing God's voice through others (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might exceptions to moral rules occur in different situations?

Different contexts can lead to unique moral interpretations (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Conscience 4 emphasize?

The need for constant self-evaluation and improvement (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does Dignitatis Humanae emphasize regarding individual conscience?

It states that one must not be forced to act contrary to their conscience. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Aquinas, what is preferable to acting against one's conscience?

To die in excommunication. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of conscience is characterized by a lack of fear regarding moral decisions?

Lax conscience (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of synderesis in relation to self-evaluation?

It enhances the ability to face future moral situations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes habitual conscience?

It is consistently guided by moral principles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about scrupulous conscience is accurate?

It instills excessive fear of wrongdoing. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Cardinal Ratzinger asserts that one’s conscience must be obeyed in what context?

In all circumstances, even against ecclesiastical requirements. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes certain conscience from doubtful conscience?

Certain conscience has a clear moral direction. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Basic Human Inclinations

Unjust harm is always wrong; just harm, such as self-defense, may be permissible.
Self-preservation is a fundamental inclination.

Epistemological Foundations of Natural Law

Natural Law originates from human reason reflecting on experience to discover moral values.
Distinction between moral relativism (absence of standards; everything justified) and moral realism (recognition of an order of right and wrong).
Natural Law facilitates dialogue across diverse cultures and beliefs.

Learning about Natural Law

Emerged from Greek Stoics, not originally religious or Christian.
Involves various traditions, including the Thomistic Natural Law tradition.
Questions guiding natural law: "What ought I to do?" and "What is natural?"

Human Acts

Human Acts require sufficient freedom and knowledge to hold moral responsibility.
Personal acts vary in the level of control, freedom of choice leads to moral responsibility.
Sinfulness is linked with the knowledge and freedom involved in human acts.

Acts of the Human Person

Acts not performed with sufficient knowledge or freedom diminish moral accountability.
Impersonal acts result in diminished moral responsibility due to external pressures.

The Problem of Moral Responsibility

Actions can evolve from choices into significant decisions affecting moral responsibility.
Wrongdoings should be judged considering freedom of self-determination.
Individuals remain accountable even when actions are well-intended.

Self-Reflection and Conscience

Conscience's primary purpose is self-improvement and doing right.
Synderesis (the natural inclination to know good) versus syneidesis (self-reflection).
Self-evaluation is crucial for a mature conscience; it impacts future moral choices.

Levels of Conscience

General or Universal Conscience detects a moral law not self-imposed.
Specific or Christian-level conscience responds to divine guidance and relationality.

The Primacy of Conscience

Individuals must act according to their conscience, even against authority.
Aquinas highlights the importance of adhering to one's conscience over social or ecclesiastical norms.

Distinctions Between Types of Conscience

Certain, Doubtful, Correct, Erroneous, Scrupulous, and Lax categories define conscience maturity influenced by choices made.
Scrupulous conscience tends to follow strict teachings, whereas lax conscience seeks convenience and easy solutions.

The Best and Worst Forms of Conscience

The ideal conscience is both certain and correct, ensuring moral clarity.
The most problematic conscience involves erroneous beliefs that are certain yet lax.

Obligation to Conscience

There is a moral obligation to follow one's properly formed conscience and respect others' conscience.
When faced with potential harm to others, it is imperative to intervene and discourage wrongdoing.

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Description

Explore the philosophical concepts of just and unjust harm as presented by Aquinas. This quiz dives into the fundamental human inclinations, including self-preservation, and the role of reason in ethical considerations. Challenge your understanding of morality and ethics.