Moral Mora law Law

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Definition

A rule of conduct enacted by competent authority for the sake of the common good
[St. Thomas Aquinas, STh I-II, 90, 4].

An ordinance of reason that is promulgated by competent authority for the sake of the common good [CFC: 801].
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Definition

Ordinance of reason Promulgated / enacted

By competent authority Purpose common good

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Definition

M O R A L

The work of divine wisdom.

Prescribes ways & acts

leading to mans goodness.

Proscribes ways of evil

that turn man away from God.
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Expressions of the Moral Law

M O R A L

1. Eternal Law 2. Natural Law 3. Revealed Law 4. Human Law

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Expressions of the Moral Law

Natural Law
- Arises from mans nature & creation. - Can be recognized by human reason. - Natural ability to discern what is right and what is wrong.

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Expressions of the Moral Law

Eternal Law

- The Source is God, source of all laws.

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Expressions of the Moral Law

Revealed Law
- Form: 10 commandments thru Moses. - Sin is transgressing the law and breaking the covenant.

- Old law of the OT covenant (Scriptures).

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Expressions of the Moral Law

Revealed Law
- New law or law of the Gospel (NT). - 1. Love God w/ all your heart. . . - 2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

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Expressions of the Moral Law

Human Law
- Immediate origin is human authority. - Subdivided into two: - Civil law law of the land - Canon law law of the Church

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Relationship : Moral Law & Human Law

Moral acts are generally legal, but not all legal acts are moral. E.g. Abortion There maybe moral acts which are rendered illegal or against the law. E.g. Alms giving
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Subjective & Objective Morality

Reality

may be

Subjective the way things are perceived. Objective the way things are, in fact.

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Subjective & Objective Morality

Morality

may be

Subjective the moral judgment of an act as it appears to a person, based on how ones conscience is formed.

Objective the moral judgment of an act based on the true nature of the act and the precepts of the natural law.
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Subjective & Objective Morality

Thus,

the

proper

standard

for

moral

objective morality, basing on objective truths and principles.

judgment is
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CASE 1:

Sally was raised in a family where she has been taught that a woman has a right to control her own body. Abortion is part of that right. She lives in a country where abortion is legal, and her religion regards abortions as regrettable but not wrong. She already has four children and her family is stretched financially. When she gets pregnant for the fifth time, she decided, in conscience, to have an abortion.

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CASE 2:

Jennifer was raised in a family where she was taught that human life is a sacred gift from God which begins at conception. Abortion, therefore, is wrong. She is Catholic. Her church opposes abortion. She accepts the sanctity of life in the womb and the teaching of her church. Her family is also financially hard up, but when she gets pregnant for the fifth time, she decides, in conscience, to have the baby.

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Subjective & Objective Morality

A person is bound to follow his/her conscience. Does this mean that a persons conscience is always correct? What does Sally and Jennifer have to say?

WHO IS RIGHT?
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