Ratio definition.
Reason; this is placed in every person as a result of being created by God; in the case of conscience this is reason of the practical sort, requiring careful judgements of individual circumstances.
Conscientia definition.
Conscience; a person’s reason making moral judgements; in general, the conscience, but in Aquinas used to distinguish individual acts if conscience from infallible synderesis.
Vincible ignorance definition.
Ignorance which we could easily overcome and for which we are blame worthy.
Invincible ignorance definition.
Ignorance which cannot be overcome by my own efforts and for which I cannot be blamed.
Conscious definition.
Mental processes and feelings we are immediately dealing with.
Preconscious definition.
Mental processes and feelings in the background which we are not immediately dealing with; these may surface.
Unconscious definition.
Feelings, impressions, emotions buried deep within the mind; they may motivate us unconsciously, but they cannot be retrieved except through psychoanalysis.
Ego definition.
Conscious self; our self awareness.
Id definition.
The unconscious self; basic desires and drive - sexual and death; primal passions.
Superego definition.
A reaction to the id; moral controls and ideas given bu authority and opposed to the id; formed through society and parental upbringing.
What is Divine Command Theory?
What is right is what God commands.
Who rejected Divine Command Theory?
Aquinas.
What is the Romans quote on Divine Command Theory?
“When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show what the law requires is written on their hearts.” Romans 2:14 - 15a.
What did Augustine call the conscience?
The ‘Voice of God’.
Did Augustine accept or deny Divine Command Theory?
He accepted it.
What did Augustine claim conscience is?
The God-given ability to determine God’s law; it is the voice of God talking to us.
What is the Homiles quote for Augustine’s ‘Voice of God’ theory?
“Return to our own conscience, question it… come then within, brethren; and in all things, whatsoever ye do, look on to God our witness.” Homiles on the First Episture of John, 8:9.
What does Augustine say conscience is the result of?
It is the result of God’s love being poured into human beings; the unity of virtues is bound by God’s love.
What does Aquinas say humans are created with?
‘Recta ratio’ (right reason) of basic moral principles: synderesis.
What is conscientia to Aquinas?
Applying reason to particular questions of right and wrong.
According to Aquinas, what is conscience and why?
The conscience is fallible and can be mistaken, as you could be following apparent goods instead of real goods.
Why, for Aquinas, should you act according to conscience? (2 points)
- Because it is your duty to do so and is a guarantee of moral blamelessness, even if it’s not a guarantee of right action.
- Despite this, following the conscience is still absolutely necessary.
What is Aquinas’ quote for ignoring reason?
It is the “same as dismissing the command of God.”
What is a primal horde, according to Sigmund Freud?
A primal horde is a group of people arranged around a single dominant male, who has total authority over the group and holds claim over the females.
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Topic 1 (Year 12): Utilitarianism20
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Topic 2 (Year 12): Natural Moral Law16
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Topic 3 (Year 12): Situation Ethics22
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Topic 4 (Year 12): Euthanasia49
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Topic 5 (Year 12): Kantian Ethics27
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Topic 6 (Year 12): Metaethics40
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Topic 7 (Year 13): Conscience39
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Topic 8 (Year 13): Sexual Ethics70
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Topic 9 (Year 13): Business Ethics84
