1. WHAT IS HUMAN ACTION?

2. OVERVIEW In this unit we explore the conditions of human action. This focus will isolate the human capacity to act and to recognize the importance of the human self as agent. What is it that brings out the ethical/moral person and ethical/moral actions of the person? Why do our actions affect us so powerfully and what do these actions tell us about ourselves? This unit will also look at ethical and moral challenges. This investigation begins with a number of ethical experiences and ethical theorists. This study will examine philosophical building clocks taken from three ethical theories of Western culture. We investigate and apply the three options of analyzing ethics today. The module will examine the final aim of our human actions, the perspectives of duties and obligations that we can justify, and the call to responsibility.

3. QUIETLY READ text p 23 -28

4. Human action is different from animal or mechanical actions. Human actions involve motives. Every action is done for a reason. Every action involves intention. Human beings are agents: they make things happen, they have intention, they intend and will an action. Agent: A person who acts freely and knowingly, who chooses to do or not do something: a person who is accountable for his or her actions or omissions.

5. GANDER HOSPITALITY Angels of Hope Who is the agent? (p26) What does the agent intend to do? What sorts of commitments are made? (26&27) Why – what is the motivation for action (28) How is the action done? Is harm done so that good could be accomplished? (28) Under what circumstances? (28)