Grade 10- ESP MODULE 6

Summary

The lesson explores the concept of human actions, focusing on moral decision-making as defined by St. Thomas Aquinas. It highlights the significance of intention, means, circumstances, and consequences in evaluating actions. Human actions are driven by the will and intellect, and both must align for the action to be morally good. The lesson emphasizes the role of conscience in guiding actions and stresses the importance of aligning one’s actions with the ultimate goal of achieving communion with God.

Takeaways

• 😀 Human actions are the result of our thoughts and desires, reflecting our character and the outcomes of our decisions.
• 😀 According to St. Thomas Aquinas, moral actions are human actions because they are deliberate and aimed at a goal.
• 😀 The inner aspects of human actions are critical—our intellect judges and our will aims toward a goal.
• 😀 Internal and external actions are interconnected; if the internal action is bad, the external action cannot be good, even if it appears so outwardly.
• 😀 A good action requires both a good internal intention and a good external manifestation.
• 😀 The morality of an action is determined by several factors: purpose (intention), means (method), circumstances, and consequences.
• 😀 The 'purpose' refers to the internal intent of the will that guides the action, which is not visible to others.
• 😀 The 'means' refers to the external method or instrument used to achieve the goal, and it must be morally appropriate.
• 😀 The 'circumstances' of an action (who, what, where, how, when) can either lessen or increase the moral value of the action.
• 😀 The 'consequences' or 'outcomes' of an action are directly tied to the responsibility and accountability of the individual performing it.
• 😀 To be truly good, actions must be in accordance with one's conscience and directed towards the ultimate goal of communion with God.

Q & A

What are 'makataong kilos' and why are they important?

'Makataong kilos' are human actions that are the result of the mind and will, reflecting our character and moral nature. These actions are important because they define who we are and determine our moral standing based on whether they align with good or evil intentions and circumstances.

What role does intention play in evaluating human actions?

Intention (or 'layunin') refers to the internal goal or purpose behind an action. It is the reason we perform a certain action. In evaluating the morality of an action, intention is crucial because an action can only be considered good if the intention behind it is also good.

How does 'paraan' (means) affect the morality of an action?

'Paraan' refers to the external method or means used to achieve a goal. The means or method chosen must be morally acceptable. Even if the intention is good, using improper means can render an action morally wrong.

What are the different 'sirkumstansya' (circumstances) that affect the morality of an action?

'Sirkumstansya' includes factors such as who is performing the action, who might be affected, where and when the action occurs, and how it is carried out. These circumstances can either reduce or increase the goodness of an action.

What is the significance of 'kahihinatnan' (consequences) in moral decision-making?

The 'kahihinatnan' or consequences refer to the outcomes of an action. While the consequences are important, an action must still be evaluated based on its intention and means. Even a good outcome can’t justify a bad intention or immoral means.

Why are both internal and external aspects of an action important?

Both the internal aspect (intention) and the external aspect (means and actions) are essential because they work together to define the morality of an act. A good action requires that both the intention and the method of carrying it out are morally upright.

How does Saint Thomas Aquinas view the relationship between the internal and external aspects of an action?

Saint Thomas Aquinas suggests that internal and external aspects of an action are inseparable. If the internal act (the will or intention) is bad, even if the external act seems good, the entire action is considered morally wrong. Both must align to be morally good.

How do the factors of intention, means, circumstances, and consequences influence the outcome of an action?

Each factor plays a role in determining the moral quality of an action. The intention must be good, the means must be appropriate, the circumstances must be considered, and the consequences should ideally be positive. If any of these factors are misaligned, the morality of the action is compromised.

What does it mean for an action to align with one's conscience?

Aligning with one's conscience means performing an action that is guided by an inner sense of right and wrong, consistent with reason and divine will. Actions should reflect what is morally right and lead toward the ultimate goal of union with God.

What is the ultimate purpose of human actions according to this script?

The ultimate purpose of human actions, as outlined in the script, is to align one's actions with the divine will and to strive for union with God in the afterlife. All actions should ultimately be directed toward achieving this higher goal.