Proportionalism

• What are the two main ethical theories discussed?

  Deontological and teleological
• What do deontological and teleological ethics focus on?

  Duty and goal
• What does the hybrid of natural law consider in morality?

  • The act performed by the agent
  • Consequences
  • Intentions of the moral agent
• What is the relationship between pain and moral perfection in this context?

  Pain can exist but allows for moral perfection
• What are the two types of evil mentioned?

  Evil moral and pre-moral
• What is moral evil a result of?

  A fallen world
• Why do Catholics reject certain ethical theories?

  For their emphasis on consequences
• What does it mean to go against a principle in ethics?

  It requires a proportionate reason to justify
• How often is a bad action performed for a right reason?

  Only occasionally
• What is the balance in ethical decision-making according to this material?

  • Value vs. disvalue
• What are the five rules of preference for actions in proportionalism?

  1. Bring about more good than evil
  2. Maximize quality and quantity of good
  3. Value that is most fundamental/basic
  4. Most practically achievable
  5. Protects the most urgent need
• What does Bernard Hose say about going against moral principles?

  It may be justified for a proportionate reason
• What is the difference between good and right acts?


  What is good is not always right
• What is a hybrid of natural law?

  A teleological theory
• What does deontological ethics emphasize?

  Duty to obey universal laws
• How are natural moral laws described?

  Absolute but not exact
• What is the relationship between deontological and teleological ethics?

  Deontological ethics can be teleological
• When can moral laws be overridden according to proportionalism?

  When there is a proportionate reason
• What factors should proportionalists consider?

  • The act performed
  • The consequences of the action
  • Intentions of the moral agent
• What should be evaluated in teleological ethics?

  Intention and consequences of actions
• What is unusual about a bad action performed for a right reason?

  It is considered unusual
• What is the basic premise of human existence according to the text?

  Humans live in a fallen world
• What does the proportionalist maxim suggest?

  • Balance natural and unintentional acts
  • Tolerate actions for proportionate reasons
• What distinguishes an evil moral act from an ontic act?

  Evil moral acts are intentional
• What does Hoose's proportionalism focus on?

  Value to determine moral actions
• What is considered a good act in Hoose's view?

  An act violating a moral principle out of love
• What are Gintors' rules of preference?

  1. More good than evil produced
  2. Maximize quality and quantity of good
  3. Fundamental (life above all)
  4. Practically achievable
  5. Protects the most urgent need
• What differentiates a good act from a right act?

  A good act is ontic, a right act is moral
• What does agape imply about ontic evil acts?

  They can be right under certain conditions
• What motivates good actions according to the text?

  Love should motivate good actions
• What does situation ethics suggest about actions?

  • Actions can be intrinsically good or bad
  • Actions can also be right for good reasons