week 6(family ethics) Flashcards
Why is family considered essential for human fulfillment?
Family is essential because human beings are social by nature and can only survive, develop, and achieve fulfillment through cooperation with others and being of service. The pursuit of happiness is impossible in isolation, as highlighted by the concept “I am because we are” by John Mbiti.
What are the defining features of marriage as discussed in the document?
Marriage is defined as a comprehensive, permanent, and exclusive union of a man and a woman oriented towards family life. Its essential features include unity, indissolubility, faithfulness, and openness to fertility.
How does the absence of a father impact a family?
The absence of a father creates a deep wound in the family that is difficult to heal. Fathers provide closeness, share joys and hardships, and support children’s development, which fosters a strong family bond.
What is the unique role of a mother in the family?
Mothers are seen as the adhesive that holds the family together, countering self-centered individualism. They possess unique biological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual endowments for nurturing and self-giving.
How are children viewed in the context of the family?
Children are seen as the strongest manifestation of spousal union and are described as unique, irreplaceable, and to be cherished. They symbolize the link between past and future generations.
What responsibilities do parents have towards their children?
Parents are responsible for meeting their children’s needs, being involved in their education, providing emotional closeness, teaching values, and ensuring justice and fairness. Exploitation, unfair treatment, and using children in disputes are strongly discouraged.
What societal outcomes are linked to intact marriages?
Intact marriages are associated with better graduation rates for children, lower mental health issues, reduced poverty, less delinquency, and overall well-being for both parents and children.
How does cohabitation compare to marriage in terms of societal benefits?
Marriage tends to offer higher relationship quality, better health outcomes, lower substance abuse, reduced physical abuse for women, and lower rates of depression compared to cohabitation.
What are the ethical limits of parental authority over children?
Parental authority is limited by the child’s autonomy and decision-making capabilities, especially regarding career, spouse choice, and religious duties. Parental control gradually ends as children become capable of making sound decisions.
How does the document describe the importance of the family for society?
The family is described as the gateway to society and a training ground for virtues. Destroying families, especially through the deterioration of marriage, is seen as a rapid way to destroy society.
