Key Concepts

Question 1

The Mean:

Answer 1

Aristotle’s idea of virtue lying between two extremes. For example, generosity is the mean between wastefulness and stinginess.

Question 2

The Face as the Witness of God:

Answer 2

Levinas’ concept that encountering the face of another person reveals a divine command to act ethically. For example, seeing the suffering in someone’s eyes and feeling a moral duty to help.

Question 3

Kant’s Moral Maxims:

Answer 3

Principles that guide moral actions, such as the Categorical Imperative. For example, “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”

Question 4

Teleology:

Answer 4

Ethical theory focused on the consequences of actions. For example, utilitarianism, which seeks the greatest good for the greatest number.

Question 5

Deontology:

Answer 5

Ethical theory focused on rules and duties. For example, following the Ten Commandments.

Question 6

Summum Bonum:

Answer 6

The highest good, often associated with the ultimate end in ethical theories. For example, achieving happiness and virtue.

Question 7

Categorical Imperative:

Answer 7

Kant’s principle that one should act only according to maxims that can be universalized. For example, not stealing because if everyone stole, society would collapse.

Question 8

Kingdom of Ends:

Answer 8

A Kantian concept where all individuals are treated as ends in themselves. For example, respecting everyone’s rights and dignity.

Question 9

Eudaimonia:

Answer 9

Aristotle’s concept of flourishing or living well. For example, living a life of virtue and fulfillment.

Question 10

Natural Law:

Answer 10

Ethical theory that posits certain rights and moral values are inherent in human nature. For example, the right to life and liberty.

Question 11

Autonomy:

Answer 11

The capacity to make an informed, uncoerced decision. For example, a patient making their own medical decisions.

Question 12

Duty:

Answer 12

A moral or legal obligation. For example, a soldier’s duty to protect their country.

Question 13

Objective vs. Subjective:

Answer 13

Objective refers to unbiased, universal truths; subjective refers to personal perspectives. For example, objective: “2+2=4”; subjective: “Chocolate is the best ice cream flavor.”

Question 14

Responsibility:

Answer 14

The state or fact of being accountable for something. For example, a parent being responsible for their child’s well-being.

Question 15

Revelation:

Answer 15

Divine or supernatural disclosure to humans. For example, the revelation of the Ten Commandments to Moses.

Question 16

Reason:

Answer 16

The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments logically. For example, using reason to solve a math problem.

Question 17

Virtue:

Answer 17

Behavior showing high moral standards. For example, honesty, courage, and kindness.

Question 18

Messiah:

Answer 18

The promised deliverer in Jewish and Christian beliefs. For example, Jesus Christ in Christianity.

Question 19

Transcendent:

Answer 19

Beyond or above the range of normal human experience. For example, the concept of God.

Question 20

Exegesis:

Answer 20

Critical explanation or interpretation of a text, especially scripture. For example, analyzing the meaning of a Bible passage.

Question 21

Incarnation:

Answer 21

A person who embodies in the flesh a deity, spirit, or quality. For example, Jesus Christ as the incarnation of God in Christianity.

Question 22

Hermeneutics:

Answer 22

The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of scriptural text. For example, interpreting the parables of Jesus.

Question 23

Canon:

Answer 23

A collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine. For example, the books of the Bible.

Question 24

Pentecost:

Answer 24

The Christian festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus. For example, celebrated 50 days after Easter.

Question 25

Epistles:

Answer 25

Letters in the New Testament from Apostles to Christians. For example, the Epistles of Paul.

Question 26

Nicene Creed:

Answer 26

A formal statement of Christian belief. For example, recited in many Christian denominations during worship.

Question 27

Positive Assistance Theory:

Answer 27

A theological concept regarding divine assistance in the writing of scripture. For example, the belief that the Holy Spirit guided the authors of the Bible.

Question 28

Essential Catholic Tradition:

Answer 28

Core beliefs and practices upheld by the Catholic Church. For example, the sacraments and the teachings of the Church Fathers.

Question 29

Stages of Faith Development

Answer 29

There are typically six stages of faith development, as proposed by James Fowler, ranging from intuitive-projective faith in early childhood to universalizing faith in adulthood.

Question 30

Mediate Revelation

Answer 30

Refers to the transmission of divine truth through intermediaries, such as prophets or sacred texts. For example, the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad.

Question 31

Septuagint

Answer 31

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, used by Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians.