Freedom Flashcards
Catholic definition of freedom
Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility (CCC 1731)
2 question to ask when making a moral decision
Have I sufficient relevant knowledge?
Have I sufficient personal freedom?
How does sufficient relevant knowledge enable people to make moral decisions
This is the skill of weighing up the pros and cons and the arguments for and against.
The person making the decision needs to learn all that they can about each alternative, before making their choice.
How does sufficient personal freedom enable people to make moral decisions
Anyone wishing to make a responsible choice needs to ensure that they are not being influenced by either internal or external pressures
Identify various moral principles
Relate to god Behave in loving ways Do good Avoid doing wrong treat all with respect treat human life as sacred
Define natural law
Natural law refers to laws natural to people, that is, laws in harmony with the nature of every human being. These are laws that a person with God-given reason can perceive will bring true happiness.
Define moral relativism
moral relativism refers to the ignorance of absolute ethical standards and maintains that moral principles can change according to culture, circumstances or personal choice. Moral relativism contrasts natural law’s principles of what is right and wrong
Explain how moral relativism hinders a person’s ability to make moral decisions
Moral relativism negatively impacts a person’s ability to make moral decisions as the common good is not served by changing fashions and opinions and as opposed to natural law, moral relativism suggest that the morality of actions changes due to circumstances
Outline elements of old law
Old law primarily consists of the Ten commandments
It is also known as divine law
The first three commandments are for the responsibility to god, whereas commandments 4-10 are for the responsibility of others.
Outline elements of new law
New law consists of three different things;
Charity
Beatitudes from the Sermon on the mount
Jesus’ Two Great commandments
Define the catholic concept of conscience
“Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a man. There he is alone with God, whose voice echoes in his depths” (CCC 1776)
What is action
Actions that obey God’s laws are morally good and actions that disobey God’s law are morally bad. Catholics have the assistance of the 10 commandments and the life and teachings of Jesus to follow.
What is intention
Intention refers to the motivation or reason behind an action, for a judgement to be morally good, the person’s intention must be right as well
What is circumstance
Sometimes an action can be morally right in itself, but it would be wrong in some circumstances. if a person does something that is morally acceptable in itself, and the consequences of the action age against the laws of God, it would be morally wrong.
Outline the four principles of conscience
Everyone is obliged to form their own conscience
Everyone is obliged to follow sincere conscience
Conscience does not decide right from wrong
A good end does not justify immoral means
State the factors which challenge a person’s ability to make moral decisions.
Lack of sufficient understanding Habits of doing wrong Strong emotions Social and peer pressures Inadequate moral formation
Outline Lack of sufficient understanding
Lack of adequate information causes people to become confused, especially about what is right and wrong in practical situations. They may lack knowledge about the alternatives of moral principles and laws relevant to the decision
Outline Habits of doing wrong
To do wrong once deliberately makes it easier to do wrong deliberately a second time. These habits are known as vices.
