2E- Hoose proportionalism

Question 1

What is proportionalism

Answer 1

20th century modern development of NL centred around proportionate reason as identified by Aquinas’ double effect
Catholic theory
Works with Aquinas’ NL rejects static interpretation by RCC

Question 2

where did proportionalism stemfrom

Answer 2

Started with Knauer who in 1965 wrote an article about how evil may be permitted if it was justified by a proportionate reason

Question 3

What example of double effect does Aquinas give

Answer 3

In summa theologica Aquinas gives the example of killing in self defence for the double effect- the act of self defence can have 2 effects: save a life and kill an aggressor

Question 4

What’s the maxim of proportionalism

Answer 4

It is never right to go against a principal unless there is a proportionate reason to justify it

Calculation of proportion between all goods and evils involved in action- action in proportion
Moral laws are good- in general should never be broken
When faced with conflict should weigh up various elements of an act to establish proportionate reason to apply double effect
Good achieved from an action must be equal or greater to the unintended evil it produces

Question 5

explain good/right acts

Answer 5

For a proportionalist a morally good act is not necessarily a morally right act (vice versa)
So distinguish between them unlike catholic church

Eg Schuller gives an example of a doctor which develops a beneficial new treatment but is motivated by money- act of developing treatment is right but not good as right due to benefit but morally bad due to being selfish

Question 6

Explain Evil moral act or pre-moral/ontic evil

Answer 6

Catholics: ontic evil= natural evils independent of humanities will e.g. drought. Pre-moral evil= human being doing the acting- part of natural tendency due to the fall eg selfishness
Proportionalists combine these 2 as they are both results from the fall of human nature- just part of existence in fallen
For it to be a moral evil act (breaks religious rule) person’s intention must be considered

Question 7

explain Deontological and teleological

Answer 7

Aquinas’ NL is deontological but has teleological elements to it
teleological= right/wrong determined by goal
Proportionalism recognise they weigh up all goods and evils so moral circumstances are considered
They do not uphold any unchanging and absolute version of NL- understanding develops

Question 8

explain direct/indirect actions

Answer 8

direct= immediate action intentionally performed
indirect= accidental result of good direct action
Eg ectopic pregnancy indirect action of killing foetus is accidental
However is it? The doctor is aware its part of the surgery so not accidental

Question 9

explain proportionalism as based on agape

Answer 9

Different from SE as love on it’s own is not enough to justify any action
For proportionalism love for God and God’s laws should be central to moral decision making
When weighing up love should be important value
Love alone can be a mistake eg love for God and his laws make people act in terrible ways eg child abuse

Question 10

Give the titles to explore

Answer 10

Maxim
good/right act
Evil moral act or pre-moral/ontic evil
Deontological and teleological
direct/indirect actions
Based on agape