What are the three approaches to ethics discussed?
- Teleological
- Deontological
- Relational
These are the primary ethical frameworks used in Catholic moral reasoning.
Who is the philosopher associated with Teleological Ethics?
Aristotle
Aristotle believed morality is rooted in purpose.
What does telos mean in Aristotle’s ethics?
purpose or end
Everything has a purpose it is meant to fulfill.
According to Aristotle the goal of human life is __________.”
Happiness
What is the difference between happiness and pleasure for Aristotle?
- Happiness: enduring and meaningful
- Pleasure: temporary and surface-level
Happiness comes from virtue, not sensation.
What is virtue according to Aristotle?
A habit of choosing the good
Virtue is learned through practice.
What is the Golden Mean?
The balance between two extremes
Virtue lies between excess and deficiency.
According to Aristotle, humans flourish best in __________.
community
Who is associated with Deontological Ethics?
Immanuel Kant
Kant focused on duty and moral law.
What does Deontological Ethics focus on?
Rules, duties, and moral obligation
Actions are judged by intention, not outcome.
What is the only thing that is good without qualification according to Kant?
A good will
Moral worth comes from intention.
What is the Categorical Imperative?
A moral rule that must be followed universally
One should act only in ways they wish everyone would act.
According to Kant, humans must be treated as __________.”
ends, never merely as means
What is Relational Ethics primarily concerned with?
Relationships, care, and community
Morality is rooted in how actions affect others.
Which ethical approach aligns most closely with Catholic Social Teaching?
Relational Ethics
Both emphasize human dignity and community.
What does a religious worldview base meaning on?
God or the sacred
Moral truth is objective.
What does a secular worldview base meaning on?
Reason, science, and human experience
Meaning is constructed rather than revealed.
What does Catholicism teach about human dignity?
Every person is made in the image of God
Human life is sacred.
What is conscience in Catholic teaching?
The inner voice guiding moral decisions
Conscience must be properly formed.
What is sin?
A deliberate turning away from God
Sin harms relationships.
What three conditions are required for mortal sin?
- Grave matter
- Full knowledge
- Full consent
All three must be present.
What does Catholicism teach about freedom?
The ability to choose the good
Freedom is not limitless choice.
What are the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching?
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
- Solidarity
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- Care for God’s Creation
Used to analyze moral issues.
Which Catholic Social Teaching principle focuses on protecting the marginalized?
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Special concern for those most in need.
