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Human Action and Moral Choices

The document explores the philosophy of human action, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship of actions and their unintended consequences, as illustrated by a scenario involving a boy named Carlo who accidentally breaks a vase. It discusses the moral implications of Carlo's choices, such as honesty versus lying, and how these actions reflect a person's true nature. Additionally, it highlights the importance of self-awareness and externality in understanding one's identity as a person.

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zyllvix12
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4 views9 pages

Human Action and Moral Choices

The document explores the philosophy of human action, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship of actions and their unintended consequences, as illustrated by a scenario involving a boy named Carlo who accidentally breaks a vase. It discusses the moral implications of Carlo's choices, such as honesty versus lying, and how these actions reflect a person's true nature. Additionally, it highlights the importance of self-awareness and externality in understanding one's identity as a person.

Uploaded by

zyllvix12
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to the

philosophy of the
human person
Introduction to the Philosophy of
the Human Person
Looking at the diagram, you will see that there is a
chain of actions and events that have a cause-and-
effect relationship. One major consequence brought
about by Carlo's actions is the vase falling to the floor
and breaking, which happened because he bumped
into the table when he was playing. Was it Carlo's
intention to break the vase? We can argue that he
had no intention of doing so, and in fact, it might not
have crossed Carlo's mind that playing in the room
would cause him to break something. Persons
exercise self-determined actions but often encounter
unintended consequences of their actions.
Now try and complete the sequence. What do you
think will happen if Carlo admits to breaking the
vase? What will happen if he does not admit to
breaking the vase?
Carlo may not have intended to break the vase, but
he now has the free will to choose how he will
respond to his mother's question. This brings us to
another element of human action, which is morality
or the goodness or badness of an act. As an observer
in this situation, how will you judge Carlo if he admits
to breaking the vase? You may consider him a good
boy because he is honest. You may also describe him
as a brave boy because he faces the risk of being
scolded by his mother for breaking the vase.
•
• If Carlo denies breaking the vase, what will be
your reaction? Surely you will say that he is lying,
and that he is being a bad boy. Put yourself in
Carlo's shoes and imagine yourself lying to your
mother. This act will result in feelings of guilt or
nervousness because we are aware of the fact
that we are lying and what we are doing is
wrong. Imagine that Carlo's mother figures out
that he is lying, what will be her reaction?
•
Human action is such an important aspect of the
person that many philosophers consider human
action as a way to reveal a person's true nature. For
example, we may find a person attractive, but if he or
she acts in a rude or offensive manner, our initial
favorable impression may change. Human acts
complete the person, as it is through his or her
actions that his or her inner self is revealed to others,
and it is through action that a person is able to
explore and fulfill his or her potential.
• Now, let us try and say these statements.
•
• I am a person.
• My actions are my own and are made freely.
• I know that I am the cause of my actions.
• I know that my actions have consequences.
•
• If you believe these statements apply to you,
If you believe these statements apply to you, then
you are now closer to a fuller realization of yourself
as a person.

Another important trait that defines a human person


is externality or the capability to reach out and
interact with others and the world. Earlier, we
discussed the concept of
48

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