Moral Decision-making

Sources of Morality Natural Law - Right reasoning as to moral rightness and wrongness Divine Revelation - Scripture & Tradition working together to reveal God Magisterium - Teaching authority of the Church, made up of the bishops with the Pope as prime bishop.

Natural Law Right reasoning as to moral rightness or wrongness Our nature reveals a moral code Created in image & likeness of God

Image and Likeness Contemplative intellect Ought to seek the truth Free will Ought to be governed by truth (not instinct or passions alone) Communal nature Made to love and be loved -- to be one as God is one Dominion To reciprocate God’s love by offering back to Him all that He has given us.

Divine Revelation Christ’s example and grace A person, not an ethical philosophy Preserved and expounded by Magisterium Magisterium is due our ready assent

Basics Love of God 1st Commandment: No other gods --> Know, love, and serve God 2nd Commandment: God’s name in vain --> Keep oaths/vows; Revere God in thought, word, deed 3rd Commandment: Keep Lord’s day holy --> Observe Lord’s Day; Order everything to God Love of Neighbor 4th Commandment: Honor Father & Mother --> Respect & abide by all righteous and legitimate authority 5th Commandment: No murder --> Honor the dignity of life in all its respects 6th/9th Commandments: No adultery/lust --> Practice purity 7th/10th Commandments: No stealing/envy/avarice --> Practice charity (spiritual & material) 8th Commandment: No lying --> Be honest, keep promises, tell truth charitably, evangelize

Morality has an objective foundation Object, Circumstance, and End Object: The matter of a moral choice; the thing done. Circumstance: The factors standing around the object. Gravity & Culpability (moral accountability) End: The intended purpose

Recognizing the object The defining elements of an object are not to be confused with circumstances. Factors essential/intrinsic to the act Eg: Self-defense is not justified murder.

Ends & Means The ends do not justify the means Evil may not be done that good may come from it. Principle of Double Effect Must be a morally good object (no evil objects) Must be necessary Must have proper intention Object must be proportionate to the secondary (unintended) outcome

Challenge of Bioethics Examples Embryonic stem cell research Euthanasia In vitro fertilization Cloning Demands consistent application of basic moral principals