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Questions and Answers
What is defined as the ultimate norm of morality?
Which determinant of morality refers to the act itself?
In moral philosophy, what happens to a good act done for an evil end?
What effect do circumstances have on a morally indifferent act?
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What is the role of conscience in moral actions?
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Which statement about the characteristics of acts is true?
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How does a good act performed with several good motives rate in ethical terms?
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Which of the following best describes the 'Summum Bonum'?
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What is morality?
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What is the Summum Bonum?
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Which of the following are determinants of morality?
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A good act done for a bad motive remains morally good.
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What determines the morality of indifferent acts?
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Which circumstance pertains to 'Who' in the context of morality?
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What is the role of circumstances in moral acts?
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What is an example of an intrinsic act?
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An evil act can become good if done for a good end.
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The quality or property of a human act that defines its morality is determined by its _____ with the norm.
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Study Notes
Morality of Human Acts
- Morality is the quality that categorizes human acts as good or evil based on their alignment with human desires and appetites.
- Goodness is determined by its ability to fulfill a tendency, while failure to do so indicates evil.
- In ethics, attention is given to moral good or evil within human actions.
- Every human act has a final end, striving towards Summum Bonum (Limitless Good), equated with God.
- Subjective end is achieving perfect happiness through this ultimate good.
- Human acts hold value when they aid in reaching this profound end; otherwise, they lack moral significance.
Norms of Morality
- Divine Reason or Eternal Law serves as the ultimate standard of morality.
- Human Reason or Conscience acts as the proximate norm for evaluating morality.
- Human acts are classified as good or evil depending on their correspondence with Divine Reason.
- Conscience involves recognizing and applying Eternal Law to human actions.
- Morality is defined as the assessment of human acts in relation to these norms.
Determinants of Morality
- Three key determinants ascertain whether a human act aligns with moral norms: object, motive, and circumstances.
- An act is considered morally good if it conforms to all three determinants; otherwise, it is labeled as evil.
The Object
- The object refers to the act itself—the specific deed performed or to be performed.
- Certain acts are intrinsically good or evil regardless of context.
- The morality of neutral acts hinges on the underlying motive and surrounding circumstances that influence them.
Ethical Principles Governing Motive
- A good act paired with a good motive enhances its moral quality; multiple good motives elevate it further.
- An evil act motivated by a similar intention is deemed worse; multiple evil motives exacerbate its moral failing.
- A good act becomes entirely evil when driven by a solely evil end.
- No evil act can transform into a good act purely by virtue of a good intention behind it.
- An indifferent act takes on moral value based on the motive: good if aimed at a good end, evil if for a bad end.
Circumstance of Person (WHO)
- The agent behind an act plays a critical role in determining its moral implications.
Morality of Human Acts
- Morality defines human acts, categorizing them as good or evil based on their alignment with human desires and tendencies.
- The ultimate goal (Summum Bonum) is seen as God or limitless good, while subjective happiness is linked to attainment of this ultimate end.
- Human acts are deemed good if they contribute to achieving this ultimate end; otherwise, they are considered not good or evil.
Norms of Morality
- Divine Reason/Eternal Law serves as the ultimate standard for morality.
- Human Reason/Conscience acts as the proximate standard, guiding how individuals recognize and apply Eternal Law.
- Human acts are evaluated as good or evil based on their concordance with Divine Reason.
Definition of Morality
- Morality is conceptualized as the relationship between human acts and their moral standards.
- It also reflects on how well a human act aligns with its objective purpose and end.
Determinants of Morality
- A human act is morally good if it aligns with all three determinants of morality: the object, the motive, and the circumstances.
- If a human act fails to agree with any of the three, it is considered morally evil.
The Object
- Refers to the act itself; certain acts are inherently good or evil.
- The morality of neutral acts is influenced by their motive and surrounding circumstances.
Ethical Principles Governing Motive
- A good act with a good motive improves in moral value; multiple good motives amplify this.
- An evil act with a malicious motive worsens in moral standing; multiple evil motives further degrade it.
- A good act with a selfish end is considered entirely evil if the end constitutes the primary motive.
- A good end cannot justify an evil act.
- Indifferent acts gain moral quality based on the motive behind them.
Circumstances Affecting Morality
- Circumstance of Person (WHO): Identifies the agent and recipients of the act.
- Circumstance of Quality or Quantity (WHAT): Assesses severity or extent of the act, such as the magnitude of harm or theft.
- Circumstance of Place (WHERE): Contextualizes location where the act occurred.
- Circumstance of Means (WITH WHAT ALLY): Considers the tools or methods employed in the act.
- Circumstance of Manner (HOW): Evaluates the agent's intent and disposition during the act, including their faith and malice levels.
- Circumstance of Time (WHEN): Looks at the duration of ill thoughts or intentions.
- Circumstance of the End of the Agent (WHY): Similar to the second determinant, correlating intention with the act's evaluation.
Ethical Principles Governing Circumstances
- Indifferent acts can shift to good or evil based on circumstances.
- Good acts may become evil due to contextual factors.
- The moral quality of acts can be significantly altered by surrounding circumstances.
- Evil acts cannot become good, regardless of circumstances.
- A severely negative circumstance nullifies the goodness of a good act, while minor negative circumstances may not completely eradicate its goodness.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of morality within human actions, distinguishing between good and evil. It discusses the nature of moral good and evil, the role of desire, and the ultimate end that human acts aim towards. Test your understanding of ethical principles and the concept of Summum Bonum.
