Proportionalism & the double effect Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is a strength of the double effect?
A strength of the double effect is that it is pragmatic.
A strength of the double effect is that it is pragmatic.
Why is the double effect considered pragmatic?
A strength of the double effect is that it is pragmatic.
It fits with the reality of moral decision-making, where actions can have two effects and a method is required to judge them.
How does Aquinas’ self-defence illustration support the double effect?
A strength of the double effect is that it is pragmatic.
Aquinas’ self-defence illustration is intuitive, showing that it makes sense to justify an action with a good effect even if it has a bad side effect.
Why is a method like the double effect necessary in moral decision making?
A strength of the double effect is that it is pragmatic.
Because sometimes actions can have both good and bad effects, and a method is needed to assess the morality of such actions.
How does the double effect address the complexity of real-life moral decisions?
A strength of the double effect is that it is pragmatic.
The double effect provides a framework for justifying actions that have both positive and negative outcomes, acknowledging the complexity of real-life moral decisions.
What is a strength of proportionalism in moral decision making?
Proportionalism has the strength of being better suited to moral decision making in our imperfect world.
Proportionalism is better suited to moral decision making in our imperfect world.
How does the Fall relate to the suitability of proportionalism?
Proportionalism has the strength of being better suited to moral decision making in our imperfect world.
The Fall destabilized creation, including the moral order, making a deontological approach to natural law less fitting in a post-lapsarian world.
Why might a deontological approach to natural law be problematic in our world?
Proportionalism has the strength of being better suited to moral decision making in our imperfect world.
In a post-lapsarian world, the presence of ontic evil around acts that follow natural law can sometimes prevent flourishing.
How are ontic goods and evils defined in proportionalism?
Proportionalism has the strength of being better suited to moral decision making in our imperfect world.
Ontic goods and evils are defined in relation to whatever enables or disables flourishing.
What is our telos according to proportionalism?
Proportionalism has the strength of being better suited to moral decision making in our imperfect world.
Our telos includes flourishing, so following proportionalism would successfully orient us towards our ultimate end.
What is a key argument of John Paul II against proportionalism?
Weakness
John Paul II argues that proportionalism takes consequences too far by claiming there are no intrinsically evil actions.
Why does John Paul II believe that intrinsically evil acts can never enable the achievement of our telos?
Weakness
Intrinsically evil acts disorder us and can never rightly order us towards our end, even if intended to bring about a greater balance of ontic goods over evils.
What does John Paul II suggest is the proper response to intrinsically evil acts, even in difficult situations?
Weakness
It is better to avoid intrinsically evil acts and bear the consequences, even if it means suffering and dying, as early Christians were prepared to be martyred for their faith.
According to John Paul II, what ultimately aims us at our telos of glorifying God?
Weakness
Only the intentional following of the natural law within our nature aims us at our telos of glorifying God.
What does John Paul II say about the relationship between good intentions, intrinsically evil acts, and circumstances?
Weakness
Good intentions or particular circumstances can diminish the evil of intrinsically evil acts but cannot remove it.
How does John Paul II define a good intention?
Weakness
A good intention aims at the true good of the person in view of his ultimate end, but acts whose object cannot be ordered to God are always in conflict with that good.
How does Christian ethics view the relationship between the moral object and the inner ‘teleology’
Evaluation defending proportionalism
It is seen as a self-serving illustration because it is easier for people to understand sacrificing oneself rather than breaking natural law, but it doesn’t address cases where not breaking the natural law lets others suffer and die.
What example is given to illustrate the limitations of John Paul II’s approach to natural law?
Evaluation defending proportionalism
Euthanasia is an example where adhering strictly to natural law might result in letting others suffer and die, highlighting a limitation of John Paul II’s approach.
Why might proportionalism be considered more practical than John Paul II’s strict natural law approach?
Evaluation defending proportionalism
Proportionalism might be considered more practical because it allows for breaking natural law if it results in a greater balance of ontic goods over evils, addressing real-world moral dilemmas where strict adherence to natural law can cause harm.
What central aspect of proportionalism contrasts with John Paul II’s view?
Evaluation defending proportionalism
Proportionalism focuses on the balance of ontic goods over evils produced by actions, whereas John Paul II insists on the intrinsic evil of certain acts regardless of consequences.
What ethical principle does John Paul II prioritize in moral decision-making?
Evaluation defending proportionalism
John Paul II prioritizes the intrinsic nature of acts and adherence to natural law over consequentialist considerations.
How does proportionalism view the concept of ‘intrinsically evil acts’?
Evaluation defending proportionalism
Proportionalism rejects the notion of intrinsically evil acts, suggesting that the moral value of an action depends on the proportion of ontic goods to evils it produces.
Why is euthanasia a significant example in the debate between natural law and proportionalism?
Evaluation defending proportionalism
Euthanasia exemplifies a situation where proportionalism might justify breaking natural law to alleviate suffering, challenging the inflexibility of traditional natural law ethics.
What is the ultimate argument against all forms of religious consequentialism?
Evaluation criticising proportionalism
Religious consequentialism misunderstands the purpose of morality; it is not about achieving happiness but following God’s moral law.
