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Notes
Notes
VOLUNTARY ACTS
FREE ACTS = Voluntary acts that is based on a choice of the end or the choice of
the means or both
** Not all Voluntary acts are free
** All free acts are voluntary
Human Acts
Voluntary Acts
Free Acts
3. Direct V Acts (Voluntary in Itself) and Indirect V Acts (Voluntary in its Cause)
Direct VA
= act which is willed as an end in itself
Indirect VA
= act which is desired not as end in itself but a foreseen effect
or sequence of act
4. Explicit/Expressed V Acts and Tacit V Acts
Explicit VA
= consent to action is externally manifested by words or by
signs
Tacit VA = consent to action is given by silence. Silence means Consent
5. Pure/Simple V Acts and Mixed/Conditional V Acts
Pure/Simple VA = that which is willed with full consent and without dislike
Mixed/Conditional
= results when the act to be performed is willed under
certain conditions
= example: amputation of foot
II. WHY The Motive
The purpose or intention is that for the sake of which something is done. It is the
reason behind our acting. Man usually puts an act as a means to accomplish an
end, different from the act itself.
The end or intention can modify human actions in four ways:
a.) An indifferent act may become morally good or evil. (Ex.: To study medicine is
in itself an indifferent action. It becomes good when inspired by the thought
of alleviating human sufferings or making a decent living. It becomes bad if it
is intended to perform illegal or immoral rations.)
b.) An objectively good act may become morally evil. (Ex.: When a person gives
alms to a poor girl with the intention of seducing her.)
c.) An objectively good act may receive more goodness. (Ex.: A person may give
alms not only to help the poor but also for the love of God.)
d.) An objectively evil act can never become good in spite of the good motive.
(Ex. To steal money with the good intention of giving it to charitable
institutions or to the poor, as the legendary Robin Hood did.) As a principle,
we say the end does not justify the means.
III. WHO, WHERE, WHEN, HOW
Circumstances are conditions modifying human actions, either by increasing or
by diminishing the responsibility attending them. They play an important role in
affecting the morality of our actions because mans acts are performed at a
definite time and place, in a particular manner, for a certain reason, etc., all of
which in one way or another, increase or diminish the responsibility of the action.
Positive Ignorance
- lack of knowledge that is required of the person
Negative Ignorance - lack of knowledge for it has no importance to the
person
Degrees of Negative Ignorance:
1.) Invincible Ignorance that which cannot be overcome by the person
because:
a. he does not realize his own state of
ignorance
b. it is almost impossible for him to acquire
proper knowledge of the matter
1st Principle: Invincible Ignorance makes an act involuntary thus
the agent is responsible for the said act.
2.) Vincible Ignorance that which can be removed by ordinary efforts
If hardly any effort is used to dispel ignorance
= crass/supine ignorance
2nd Principle: For as long as all the necessary
effort has been exerted, vincible ignorance may lessen
the degree of culpability of the human act.
hatred
sadness
horror or dread
despair
fear
anger
Principle:
which flows from
Principle:
A human act from which two effects may result, one good