ETHICS
Ethics -practical science of human conduct. A branch of philosophy that
deals with the questions, what is right or wrong.
Speculative science- without directions
-presents truths that are to be known
Practical science - with directions
-presents truths that are to be acted upon
Human act- an act determined by free will
Constituents of Human act
Knowledge
Freedom
Voluntariness
Ethics is derived from the word ethos, means characteristic way of acting.
Morality pertains to standard of right and wrong
Ethics studies standards of right and wrong
Division of Ethics
General Ethics- present truths of human acts
Special Ethics- applies general ethics
Approaches to Ethics
Meta Ethics- nature of moral judgement. Origin and meaning or moral principles
Normative ethics-content of moral judgement and criteria for what is right or
wrong
Applied ethics- controversial topics like war, animal right, etc.
Goodness- something that pleases, enjoyable and give satisfaction
Classification
1. Metaphysical Goodness/ Ontological Goodness- we have seen to be synonymous
with being
2. Physical Goodness- completeness
3. Moral Goodness- requirements of the moral law
4. Bonum Utile (goodness of utility)- for the sake of something else
5. Bonum Honestum (proper good)- own inherent goodness.
6. Bonum Delectabile (satisfying/pleasurable good)- affords satisfaction when
achieved
7. Real Good- fulfills a human need or contributes to human flourishing
8. Apparent Good- something that seems good or desirable but ultimately does not
contribute to true well-being or may even be harmful
9. Material Good- tangible, possessed, conssumable
10. Intellectual Good- intangible, a good that perfects man’s mind
11. Moral Good- a good which perfects man’s will
12. Natural Good- achievable by natural powers
13. Supernatural Good- divine being.