Manualism and Proportionalism (A02 and A01 answers)

Question 1

What is Manualism in Natural Moral Law (NML)? (A01 answer)

Answer 1

• Manualism is a development of Natural Moral Law (NML) - Catholic tradition
• It emerged when Catholic scholars prioritized rules and obligations over virtues
• This shift made NML more deontological, focusing on absolute moral laws.

Question 2

Scholars Criticizing this approach?

Answer 2

Scholars like Servais Pinckaers criticize Manualism for narrowing Aquinas’ vision of morality, replacing charity and virtues with rigid rule-following.

Question 3

How did Manualism affect the application of NML? (AO2)

Answer 3

• Manualism simplified NML, making it more accessible by creating clear moral rulebooks - some see as a strength for guiding the faithful
• Weakness - The removal of Aquinas’ emphasis on virtues limits the holistic understanding of morality, as moral life cannot always be reduced to strict rules.
• It risks turning NML into legalism, neglecting the intention and purpose behind actions, which undermines its practical relevance in complicated moral situations.

Question 4

Evaluation tip on Manualism

Answer 4

Does Manualism’s focus on rules enhance clarity or detract from the compassionate application of moral principles?

Question 5

What is Proportionalism? (AO1)

Answer 5

• Proportionalism is a response to the rigidity of Manualism, advocating for a balance between moral rules and individual circumstances
• It emphasizes context, considering the intention, value of good effects, and disvalue of bad effects when evaluating moral actions

Question 6

Key Features of Proportionalism

Answer 6

• Guidelines, not absolutes: Rules are important but flexible in exceptional cases.
• Focus on intention: The agent’s purpose is central to judging morality.
• Balance of effects: Weighs good outcomes against bad ones.

Question 7

How does Proportionalism differ from NML? (AO2)

Answer 7

• Strength: Proportionality introduces flexibility, making it more applicable to modern ethical dilemmas.
• Weakness: undermines the concept of intrinsic moral evils (e.g., rape or torture), risking moral relativism.
• Strength: its flexibility can address complex issues like abortion or euthanasia more compassionately than rigid deontological structures

Question 8

Evaluation tip on proportionalism?

Answer 8

Does being flexible makes ethics more practical and relevant or does it lead to personal opinions influencing what is considered right or wrong?

Question 9

How credible is Proportionalism as an ethical theory? (AO2)

Answer 9

• Proportionalism’s flexibility makes it useful for dealing with moral problems.
• However, some critics say that because it doesn’t have strict rules, it can cause confusion and be misused to excuse harmful actions if they lead to good results.

Question 10

How can Proportionalism be applied to real-life ethical issues?

Answer 10

• Abortion: May be justified if the mother’s life is at risk.
• Euthanasia: Permitted in extreme cases to alleviate suffering.
• Lying: Acceptable if it prevents significant harm (e.g., during war).

Question 11

Which approach (Manualism or Proportionalism) better serves moral decision-making today? (A02)

Answer 11

Proportionalism :
It’s flexibility makes ethics relevant and compassionate in a complex world, proving that morality isn’t just about following rules - it’s about making the right choices in real situations.

Question 12

Why does Manualism fall short against Proportionalism?

Answer 12

• Focuses too heavily on fixed rules, ignoring human experiences.
• Risks being out of touch with modern moral problems.