02 Deontilogical Ethics: B Aquinas' Natural Law - The Role Of Virtues And Goods In Supporting Moral Behaviour Flashcards
What did aqauinas say that correct reasoning can be developed through?
Cultivating certain virtues
How many revealed virtues are there?
3
What are the revealed virtues?
- Faith
- Hope
- Love
What are the revealed virtues also known as?
Theological virtues.
What will god help us move towards?
Perfection
What is the final end?
Union with God
What is a state of perfect happiness known as?
Beatific perfection.
Explain faith (revealed virtues)
For aqauinas faith involves both the intellect and the will - the whole person must believe in God.
Explain hope (revealed virtues)
The constant trust in achieving beatific vision. A positive state of being that drives a person to pursue the beatific vision. It will encourage us to pursue other moral virtues.
Explain love (revealed virtues).
The greatest of all virtues. Love for God is reflected in love for ones neighbour. Love is the virtue that directs all other virtues towards God. Love also includes the gift of wisdom and is therefore crucial to moral philosophy. Love is the essence of all other values.
How many natural virtues are there?
4
What does natural virtues help us to develop?
Correct reasoning.
What are the 4 natural virtues?
- Prudence (judgement)
- Temperance (moderation)
- Fortitude (courage)
- Justice
Explain prudence (natural virtues).
Prudence is being capable and competent in rationally evaluating circumstances in order to work out the best course of action.
wisdom in human affairs and the ability to make sound judgements.
What is the art of casuistry?
- Counsel -consider all possible courses of action
- Judgement - decide the correct cause of action
- Command - apply the judgement
Explain temperance (natural virtues)
Meekness, generosity and studiousness are part of temperance because they restrain vices such as anger and vanity.
it involves restraint and humility
Explain fortitude (natural virtues)
This includes discipline, patience, endurance and perseverance in the face of difficult circumstances, whether physical, moral or spiritual. Courage = nobility of character. Character which is not controlled by fear nor subject to reckless or rash behaviour.
Explain justice (natural virtues)
This is less to do with our character and more to do with our actions. It relates to the law. Laws relating to community welfare and individual cases. Aqauinas’ idea of justice recognises individual needs.
What did aqauinas believed the intention of an act was?
An act in itself.
What does the doctrine of the double effect state?
Even if a good act results in bad consequences, then it is still right to do that act.
What are internal acts?
Intention
What is an external act?
Action
What are the 4 conditions that the double effect requires to be morally permissible?
- We do not wish evil effects and make all reasonable efforts to avoid them.
- The immediate effect must be good itself
- The evil is not made a means to obtain the good effect.
- The good effect must be as important at least as evil effects.
What should reason direct us to?
The goal of perfection (image of God) a real good.
