Morality

Synopsis

"As Alasdair MacIntyre notes in the preface, the work of Pinckaers attracted strong

and fully justified notice in this country with the publication in English of his The

Sources of Christian Ethics. As Pinckaers himself notes in the text, excellently translated

by Michael Sherwin, the interest should in no way be limited to Roman

Catholics. Morality recasts the earlier book in an argument that is both lower and

upper case 'catholic,' and is accessible to readers and teachers outside the limited

circle of moral theologians and academic ethicists. Pinckaers contends that

Christian morality is not first of all about obligations but about happiness, understanding

that the happiness of union with God is our natural destiny made possible

by grace. The Sermon on the Mount is at the center of an approach to morality

that turns on the distinction between 'freedom for excellence' and 'freedom of

indifference,' the former understood as human flourishing and the latter as a 'neutral'

capacity to choose between controversies. The proposal of Morality is thoroughly

Christ-centered, humanistic, and faithful to the magisterial teaching of the

Church. Warmly recommended."

First Things
 

"If you want to have the experience of reflecting on Catholic morality as though

you were reading about it for the first time, treat yourself to Father Servais

Pinckaers' Morality: The Catholic View. He has recovered the classical view of the

moral life as the quest for happiness and has presented it with disarming simplicity.

Bringing us back to the Sermon on the Mount and Romans 12-15, the writings

of Augustine and Aquinas, and the theme of natural law, he has freed those texts

from the layers of legalism which has hidden their liberating, spiritual powers for

moral living. By distinguishing freedom of indifference from freedom for excellence,

he has restored a wise vision of freedom. No one has shown better the role

of virtues as building blocks for morality. Catechists need to read this book."

Rev. Alfred McBride, O.Praem., Professor of Homilectics and Catechetics at Blessed

Pope John XXIII Seminary, Weston, Massachusetts

"Father Pinckaers has given us a masterful exposition of Christian living. The clarity

and brevity of his presentation - captured well by the translator - make this book

ideal for classroom and parish use.

     "Readers will find the historical and systematic observations very informative."

Romanus Cessario, St. John's Seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Nature of Morality

This chapter introduces the concept of morality, exploring its definition, characteristics, and different ethical theories. It argues that morality is a human construct that varies across cultures and time periods.

Example: The definition of "murder" varies in different societies. In some cultures, it may include killing an unborn child, while in others, it only refers to the intentional killing of a living person.

Chapter 2: Moral Reasoning and Decision-Making

This chapter examines the cognitive processes involved in moral decision-making. It discusses different models of moral reasoning, such as Kohlberg's stages of moral development, and the role of emotions and intuition in ethical decision-making.

Example: A person faced with the trolley problem, where they must choose between saving five people tied to a track or sacrificing one person to stop the trolley from running over them, may experience conflicting emotions and moral dilemmas.

Chapter 3: Ethical Principles and Values

This chapter explores the fundamental principles that guide ethical behavior, such as justice, autonomy, and beneficence. It discusses the different ways in which these principles can be interpreted and applied in various situations.

Example: The principle of justice requires that resources and opportunities be distributed fairly. In the context of healthcare, this principle may imply the need for universal healthcare or equal access to medical treatment.

Chapter 4: Ethical Dilemmas and Conflicts

This chapter addresses the complexities of ethical decision-making in real-life situations. It discusses common ethical dilemmas, such as conflicts between individual rights and social responsibilities, and the challenges of respecting cultural and religious diversity.

Example: A nurse may face an ethical dilemma when a patient requests assisted suicide, which is legal in some jurisdictions but violates their personal beliefs.

Chapter 5: Ethical Responsibility and Accountability

This chapter examines the concept of ethical responsibility and the consequences of ethical misconduct. It discusses the importance of accountability and transparency in ethical decision-making, and the role of professional codes of conduct.

Example: Doctors have an ethical responsibility to provide competent and ethical care to their patients. If they violate these responsibilities, they may face disciplinary action or legal consequences.

Chapter 6: Morality in Contemporary Society

This chapter explores the challenges and opportunities for morality in modern society. It examines the impact of technology, social media, and globalization on ethical decision-making. It also discusses the role of education and social movements in promoting ethical behavior.

Example: The rise of social media has created new ethical issues, such as the spread of fake news and online harassment. It requires individuals and society to navigate these issues and develop ethical guidelines for responsible use.