Understanding the Moral Object | Fr. Stephen Brock
Jul 9, 2019
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Fr. Stephen Brock, an expert in moral philosophy and theology, discusses the significance of the moral object in human acts according to St. Thomas Aquinas and Veritatis Splendor. The podcast dives into the concept of the moral object in actions, ethical dilemmas like theft and targeting civilians in warfare, and the intricacies of moral acts such as lying and theft based on intention and knowledge.
The moral object determines the moral quality of actions, stressing alignment with reason.
St. Thomas Aquinas links moral acts with chosen objects, emphasizing their influence on will.
Intentions in actions like lying and theft shape moral character, highlighting nuances in ethical decisions.
Deep dives
Nature of the Moral Object
The moral object is a key focus of the discussion, highlighting the significance of this concept in understanding moral thought and ethical actions. The distinction lies in how the object specifies the moral quality of an action, emphasizing the necessity of aligning the perspective of the acting person with the order of reason.
St. Thomas on Moral Object
St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes the connection between the moral object and the integrity of human actions. He clarifies that a moral act is determined by the object chosen by deliberate will, illustrating how the object of a choice fundamentally influences the moral quality of the will.
Complexity of Moral Actions
The podcast delves into the complexity of moral actions and the role of intention in defining the ethical nature of behaviors. It explores scenarios where the intention behind an action, such as lying or committing theft, shapes the moral character of the act.
Justification in Moral Decisions
The ethical implications of actions, such as lying and theft, are analyzed in their context to assess the intentionality and consequences of the behaviors. The podcast delves into the distinctions between different types of lies and thefts, highlighting the nuances in moral decision-making.
Application of Ethical Principles
The application of ethical principles, particularly concerning lying and theft, underscores the intricate relationship between intentions, actions, and moral assessment. By examining the moral object's role in guiding ethical judgments, the podcast sheds light on the multifaceted nature of moral reasoning.
This was the fourth lecture of our 2019 Summer Philosophy Workshop, "Aquinas on Human Action and Virtue." The annual four day conference was cosponsored by the Catholic and Dominican Institute and the Center for Ethics and Culture. The Conference ran from June 19th-23rd at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY. For more information about upcoming TI events, visit: www.thomisticinstitute.org/events
The Hand out for this lecture is available here: tinyurl.com/wr2hf2f
Speakers included:
Fr. James Brent (Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception), Fr. Steve Brock (Pontifical University of the Holy Cross), Edward Feser (Pasadena City College), Candace Vogler (University of Chicago) and Fr. Michael Sherwin (University of Fribourg)
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