Post on 01-Jan-2016
transcript
Plato
Who compared the good to the sun?He believed the closest we come to the good
is in contemplation.He believed that philosophers were closest to
the good.In his work The Republic he taught that the
ideal city-state would be ruled by philosopher-kings.
Struggled against the teachings of sophism: it argued that there is no truth, moral values were relative.
Aristotle
Believed that philosophers were most likely to succeed in search for happiness and the good.
Thought his teacher’s view of the good was too abstract.
Taught:◦Absolute good can only be found in God.◦Good is inscribed by God into the nature of all things.◦To find the good: find its purpose.◦Good found in the middle ground, not in extremes◦Highest form of happiness to live an ethical life.◦To engage ethically is to engage our capacity to
reason.
St. Thomas Aquinas
Made extensive use of Aristotle’s teachings.Agreed with Aristotle: the ethical comes
from the end inscribed in all creatures.God is the highest good.Believed in a fuller happiness called
“Blessedness” found only in a loving vision of God.
People live the good life by using intelligence & senses, desires,
Name the Cardinal VirtueHow to act well in relation to others
◦JusticeHow to balance one’s exercise of the
emotions.◦Temperance ◦(Moderation)
How to reason well in moral decision-making◦Prudence
How to face life’s difficulties, the mean between being foolhardy and cowardly◦Courage◦Fortitude
Emmanuel Levinas
The infinite Good, who is God, is a the heart of ethics
The other calls one to the highest good.
Immanuel Kant
Good is only good if done out of duty
An act is not moral if you enjoy doing it.
Reason dictates what is good.The only good is a good will.Never use a person as a means
Catholicism’s 3 ways of pursuing the good?
Teleological◦Natural ethics
Deontological◦Obligation & duty
Follow the teachings of the Gospel.
The communion of the saints
There are no recipes since we’re all unique
These people provide standards of excellence that we can follow in our own lives.
Virtues
Firm attitudesStable dispositionsHabitual perfectionsGovern our actionsOrder our passionsGuide our actions according to reason &
faithMake possible ease & self-mastery in
leading a good lifeAre acquired by human effort
Temperance
Connected to taking proper care of oneself
Touches on the basic appetites and passions
Part of one’s desire for self-preservation
Is a love that is life-giving & selfless
Chastity
Shows: ◦Respect◦Reverence◦Patience◦Selflessness◦Maturity
The integration of one’s sexuality, an apprenticeship in self-mastery
Reflects the classic rule about sexuality◦Unitive & procreative
Institutions
Stable sets or systems of meanings, beliefs & values that promote our search for the good.
Give structure to our societal expectationsThe backbone of the common goodSpaces for acting together, where justice &
equality are centralE.g.,
◦Family◦The state◦Health Care◦Churches◦Market economy
LAW
The highest expression of a norm of action.
Requires ◦One (or more) to make it◦A specific directive of action◦Consideration for the common good
◦Being intended for a specific group◦obligation
Canon Law (Ecclesiastical Law)
Interpretation of Divine or God’s Law
Guides practice and teaching of the Church
The Common Good
Focuses on the general well-being of all in society
Seeks to meet the needs of all people
Protects the freedom of all
Apply generally in all circumstances
E.g.,◦You shall not murder◦Always be just◦The Golden Rule
Absolute Rules
Natural Law
“Written & engraved on the soul”
Written within our capacity to reason
“is the light of understanding placed in us by God.”