The Thomistic Institute
The Right Answers of Ethics | Fr. Bonaventure Chapman, O.P.
Feb 27, 2025
Fr. Bonaventure Chapman, a Catholic priest and philosopher at the Catholic University of America, dives into the foundations of ethics. He challenges traditional frameworks by emphasizing that moral absolutes stem from human actions, not just divine commands. The discussion touches on complex topics, including the moral implications of acts like murder, exploring how intention shapes our ethical evaluations. Additionally, he contrasts Protestant and Catholic views on morality, incorporating insights from Aristotle and Aquinas to illuminate these tensions.
50:34
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Quick takeaways
- Fr. Bonaventure Chapman emphasizes that human actions must be understood in context to define their moral significance beyond divine commands.
- The podcast critiques contemporary moral philosophy for neglecting the intrinsic relation between human intentional actions and moral absolutes, as highlighted by Elizabeth Anscombe.
Deep dives
Understanding Human Action
Human action is defined as intentional behavior that addresses the question of 'why.' Unlike other entities, humans can explain their actions through a series of because statements, linking motives to consequences. This distinction establishes a foundation for understanding the complexity of human morality, where moral questions derive from the nature of action itself. The speaker emphasizes the significance of intentional action, arguing that actions cannot be classified as moral or immoral without understanding what constitutes a human act.
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