Interior And Exterior Acts Flashcards
What is Aquinas’ view on exterior and interior acts?
-Aquinas’ concept of interior and exterior acts emphasizes that for an action to be morally good, both the intention behind the action and the act itself must align with virtuous principles.
-The interior act, or the motive behind the action, is what truly brings moral value to the deed, ensuring that good intentions and righteous actions go hand in hand to lead to a virtuous life.
What scriptural evidence is there that could support Aquinas’ view on interior/exterior acts?
-This idea is supported by scripture, as seen in Matthew 6:2, where Jesus advises, “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do,” showing that acts of charity should be performed out of genuine love and not for public recognition.
-Aquinas believed that God evaluates both the external deeds and the inner thoughts that drive them, suggesting that true morality requires actions driven by pure, virtuous intentions. In his view, acts are intrinsically good or bad based on whether they align with one’s ultimate purpose and glorify God.
What is an example of interior and exterior acts?
He believed that an act could be externally good, like helping an elderly person cross the street, but if done for the wrong reason, such as to gain admiration, the interior motivation is flawed, making the act morally incomplete.
