MORALITY TERMSHRE 4M1

MORALITY Is concerned with

human conduct Is concerned with

“what should be done”

Judges right and wrong in light of what humanity is

Is a sense of right and wrong

CHRISTIAN MORALITY Is the ability to

respond to God Is the ability to love Is the ability to say,

“yes” to God

MORALITY is not just about religion, it’s about FREE HUMAN CONDUCT and

making choices to do good.

MORAL PERSON Can distinguish

between right and wrong

Has the ability to behave the way humans should behave

Obeys the laws for the right reasons (not just so they don’t get caught)

Is “good” according to the standards of society

AN IMMORAL PERSON Opposes the moral

principles of society Doesn’t act the way

humans were meant to act

Knowingly and freely treats others in an unloving way

AN AMMORAL PERSON Is not concerned

with moral standards at all

Does not accept any concept of right and wrong

Acts without paying attention to what is right or wrong; choices are random

MORAL PRINCIPLES Are basic truths that

we use to determine rules of conduct

These principles enable us to measure our moral obligation or figure out how we should act in the different situations we encounter

(C.C.C.B., 2004)

What is a VALUE? Qualities, characteristics, or ideas about

what we feel strongly about Our values affect our decision, goals and

behaviour A belief or feeling that someone or

something is worthwhile Values define what is of worth, what is

beneficial, and what is harmful Values are standards to guide your actions,

judgments and attitudes

VALUES = DIRECTION

Value Goals Behaviour Self-Value Values give us direction and consistency

to behaviour. Values help you know what to and what

not to make time for. Values help establish a relationship

between you and the world. Values set direction for one’s life.

WHERE DO WE GET OUT VALUES FROM?

Home, school, society, friends, church, T.V., music, books, family, culture, time period, employers, etc…

HAPPINESS comes from letting your values decide your behaviour goals.

VALUES can change over your life-time as your experiences change your views

NATURAL LAW Catholics use ‘natural law’

to determine is an action is right or wrong

According to Pope Leo XIII natural law is “written and engraved in the soul”

The Catechism says “The natural law expresses the original moral sense which enables man to discern by reason the good and the evil, the truth and the lie (CCC, # 1954)

(C.C.C.B., 2004)

THOMAS AQUINAS & NATURAL LAW Aquinas believed

that humans are naturally inclined to do good and avoid evil

A misinformed conscience can make a mistake that leads to evil action without evil intent

FOUR PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL LAW

1. Do good and avoid evil.

2. Preservation of life.

3. Propagation and education of offspring.

4. The pursuit of truth and a peaceful society.

TEXTBOOK WORK

Read page 155 and complete the following:

1. Answer Guiding Questions 1-2.

2. Summarize Jacques Maritain’s view of natural law.

3. Summarize Thomas Aquinas’ view on natural law and reason.

4. Summarize Thomas Aquinas’ view on natural law and human law.