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HUM2 Lesson 7

The document discusses the concept of norms in morality, defining them as standards for evaluating human behavior and actions. It outlines the criteria for moral judgment based on the Eternal Law, Natural Law, and Conscience, emphasizing the importance of character and actions in moral evaluations. Additionally, it describes different types of conscience, including correct, erroneous, doubtful, scrupulous, and lax, each reflecting varying levels of moral awareness.

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2 views3 pages

HUM2 Lesson 7

The document discusses the concept of norms in morality, defining them as standards for evaluating human behavior and actions. It outlines the criteria for moral judgment based on the Eternal Law, Natural Law, and Conscience, emphasizing the importance of character and actions in moral evaluations. Additionally, it describes different types of conscience, including correct, erroneous, doubtful, scrupulous, and lax, each reflecting varying levels of moral awareness.

Uploaded by

pragaezakiel5
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lesson 7: Norm of Morality

What is a Norm?
A norm is a standard of measurement.

Example: Just as we use tools to measure size, weight, or length, a norm helps us
evaluate human behavior or actions.

The moral qualities of human acts are measured using a norm or standard to support a
judgment about right or wrong.

Norms of Morality
These are the criteria of judgment about:

1. The sort of persons we ought to be, and

2. The sorts of actions we ought to perform.

Moral Norms are used to judge:

1. The quality of character → What sort of person we ought to become

Example: Being honest, courageous, or compassionate.

2. The quality of an act → What sort of action ought to be done

Example: Telling the truth, helping someone in need.

Basis for Moral Judgment


Moral judgments are based on three major sources:

1. The Eternal Law

2. The Natural Law

3. Conscience

1. The Eternal Law


The Eternal Law is the plan of God in creating all creatures—both animate (living) and
inanimate (non-living)—giving each of them its respective nature.

Example: The natural instinct of birds to migrate or the law of gravity.


2. The Natural Law
Refers to the operational tendencies of human nature—covering chemical, biological,
physiological, psychological, and rational properties of human beings as organisms.

Definition: Natural law means the natural way human beings are inclined to act, in
accordance with their true nature.

Moral implications:

• Anything that contributes to the actualization (fulfillment) of a person’s potential is


morally good.

• Anything that contradicts the self-realization of a person as a person is morally evil.

Example: Seeking education and forming relationships are good; substance abuse and
violence are evil.

Characteristics of Natural Law


1. Universal – Shared by all human beings, though realized differently in various
cultures.

Example: Respect for life is a universal value, though practiced differently across
societies.

2. Obligatory – The tendencies of human nature are like internal laws. Ignoring them
leads to negative consequences.

Example: Ignoring the need for love and connection can lead to emotional harm.

3. Recognizable – Every person is aware of his or her own nature, capabilities, and what
is expected by society.

Example: A child naturally knows it is wrong to hurt someone.

4. Immutable and Unchangeable – Human nature, in its essence and substance, is


permanent and unchangeable.

Example: Our need for truth, love, and justice does not change over time.

3. Conscience
Conscience is the practical judgment of reason, telling us what should be done and what
should be avoided.

Simple definition: Conscience is your inner voice or sense that helps you decide what is
right or wrong.
Types of Conscience
1. Correct Conscience – Sees the good as good, and evil as evil.

Example: Knowing that stealing is wrong and choosing not to do it.

2. Erroneous Conscience – Sees evil as something good.

Example: Believing cheating is acceptable if no one gets hurt.

3. Doubtful Conscience – Indecisive, unsure whether an action is right or wrong.

Example: Not sure if lying in a certain situation is justified.

4. Scrupulous Conscience – Overly cautious or excessively concerned about sin or


wrongdoing.

Example: Feeling guilty for actions that are morally neutral.

5. Lax Conscience – Indifferent, not mindful of right and wrong.

Example: Not feeling bad about hurting someone’s feelings deliberately.

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