SS 112 ETHICS

UNIT 6 THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

ADRIAN B. TALEON
PRESENTER
 DEFINITION

The morality of human acts is a fundamental topic in

ethical philosophy, exploring the principles and criteria
that determine whether human actions are morally right
or wrong. This inquiry delves into the nature of human
behavior, the intentions behind actions, and the
consequences they produce, aiming to provide a
framework for understanding and evaluating moral
conduct.
 THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS:
• Object: This is the action itself, considered in terms of its moral value
(good, evil, or indifferent).
• Intention: The purpose or motive behind the act. Even a good act can
become morally wrong if done with a bad intention.
• Circumstances: These include factors such as the context of the act,
its consequences, and who is performing it. Circumstances can affect
the degree of moral goodness or evil but not change the inherent moral
nature of the act. Certain acts are intrinsically evil and cannot be
justified by good intentions or favorable circumstances (e.g., murder,
adultery, cheating, dishonesty, etc.).
Human Acts vs. Acts of Man:
Human acts are those done with knowledge and
free will, whereas acts of man are involuntary or
performed without the full use of reason (e.g.,
reflex actions, acts done under compulsion).
For an act to be considered a human act, it must
involve intellect (knowing what one is doing) and
will (choosing freely to do it).
Moral Evaluation of Human Acts:
• An act is considered morally good if all three
sources (object, intention, and circumstances) are
good.
• An act with a bad object, intention, or
circumstance can be morally bad.
• All three components must be evaluated
together to judge the moral quality of an act
 THE ROLE OF CONSCIENCE:
Conscience as a Moral Guide:

Conscience is the internal faculty that helps

individuals discern right from wrong. An inner
feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the
rightness from wrongness of one's behavior (Oxford
Dictionary). A well-formed conscience aligns with
moral principles and helps individuals make
morally sound decisions.
 TYPES OF CONSCIENCE:
Certain conscience is the complete absence of
doubt in whether our decision is good or bad.
Doubtful conscience limits our ability to make a
choice between good or bad.
Erroneous conscience judges wrongly, when
something is bad, you think it is good, and when
it is good, you think it is bad.
 TYPES OF CONSCIENCE:

Lax conscience means when you see no sin

where there actually is sin.
Correct conscience tells us when something is
a good choice or a bad choice and that this
decision is in agreement with what that thing
actually is according to the objective law.
 TYPES OF CONSCIENCE:

Delicate conscience judges correctly and with

careful attention concerning the acts that are
about to be performed.
Scrupulous conscience a conscience that
judges that there is sin where there really is no
sin, or that judges that something is a mortal
sin when it is only a venial sin
 SIN AND ACCOUNTABILITY:
Mortal and Venial Sin

Mortal sins are grave offenses that

lead to the loss of divine grace, while
venial sins is a lesser sin that does not
result in a complete separation from God
and eternal damnation in hell as an
unrepented mortal sin would.
 THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF MORALITY:

• Common Good: Moral acts should consider the well-

being of the community and promote the common good.
• Social Justice: Addressing issues of justice and
equality within society, ensuring that all individuals have
access to what they need for a dignified life.
 IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

Guidance for Ethical Behavior: It provides a framework for

making ethical decisions and acting in ways that promote individual
and collective well-being.
Moral Development: It aids in the moral development of
individuals, fostering virtues and ethical reasoning skills.
Social Harmony: It contributes to social harmony by establishing
shared ethical standards and promoting mutual respect and
understanding.
Addressing Ethical Dilemmas: It equips individuals and societies
to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and make informed moral
choices
 6.1 UNDERSTANDING OF
HUMAN ACT
The primary definition of a human act in moral
philosophy is an act that proceeds from deliberate
will and reason and where the role of reason in
human acts is the reason that helps a person
determine whether their action aligns with moral
principles.
Understanding of Human Acts in Ethics is
Essential for several reasons:

[Link] of Moral Responsibility:

Ethics is concerned with the morality of human
behavior, and understanding human acts helps
determine which actions are morally right or wrong. By
studying human acts, we can assess intentions,
circumstances, and consequences to determine
responsibility and accountability for actions.
Understanding of Human Acts in Ethics is
Essential for several reasons:

2. Guidance for Moral Decision-Making:

Understanding what constitutes a human act helps
individuals make ethical decisions. By recognizing which
actions are voluntary (involving free will) and
deliberate, people can assess their moral obligations
and choose ethically sound actions.
Understanding of Human Acts in Ethics is
Essential for several reasons:
3. Distinguishing Between Acts: Not all actions
have the same moral significance. Ethics
differentiates between:
• Voluntary acts (those done with knowledge and freedom)
and involuntary acts (those done under force or
ignorance).
• Internal acts (intentions, thoughts) and external acts
(physical actions). Understanding these distinctions is
crucial in evaluating moral responsibility.
Understanding of Human Acts in Ethics is
Essential for several reasons:
4. Role of Intentions and
Circumstances: Human acts must be
evaluated not just by the act itself but also
by the intention behind it and the
circumstances surrounding it. Studying these
aspects helps determine whether an act is
morally good or evil, even when outcomes
Understanding of Human Acts in Ethics is
Essential for several reasons:
5. Ethical Theories and Human Acts:
Various ethical theories (such as deontology,
utilitarianism, and virtue ethics) focus on
different aspects of human acts—some
emphasize duty, others consequences or
character. Understanding human acts allows
for a better application of these ethical
Understanding of Human Acts in Ethics is
Essential for several reasons:
6. Promoting Personal and Social
Growth: By understanding human acts from
an ethical standpoint, individuals and
societies can work toward promoting
virtuous behavior, justice, and the common
good. Ethics serves as a guide for human
conduct that fosters personal integrity and
 6.2 .THE CONSTITUENT ELEMENTS OF HUMAN ACT

The intellectual element of a human act refers to

the role of human intellect in the process of decision-
making and action. It involves cognition, awareness,
and reasoning that contribute to the intentionality and
moral evaluation of an act. Understanding the
intellectual element is crucial because it influences the
formation of intention and the moral responsibility
associated with actions.
 6.2.1. THE INTELLECTUAL ELEMENT

1. Definition and Role:

• Intellect: The faculty of the human mind that
involves understanding, reasoning, and knowledge.
• Role in Human Acts: The intellect allows
individuals to discern, deliberate, and make informed
choices. It helps in recognizing the moral dimensions of
actions.
 6.2.1. THE INTELLECTUAL ELEMENT
2. Components of the Intellectual Element:
• Knowledge: Awareness and understanding of the action, its consequences, and its
moral implications.
• Full Knowledge: Having complete awareness of the nature and implications of
the act.
• Partial Knowledge: Having incomplete or limited understanding, which can affect
moral responsibility.
• Deliberation: The process of considering various options, outcomes, and their moral
values before making a decision.
• Judgment: The ability to make decisions based on reasoned evaluation and moral
principles.
 6.2.1. THE INTELLECTUAL ELEMENT

3. Importance of Knowledge in Moral Evaluation:

Ignorance: Can be either invincible (unavoidable) or vincible (avoidable).
Invincible ignorance refers to a state of ignorance that cannot be
overcome because the individual has no way of accessing or
understanding the necessary information.
 6.2.1. THE INTELLECTUAL ELEMENT

3. Importance of Knowledge in Moral Evaluation:

Example of Invincible ignorance
A person raised in an isolated society with no access to education or
moral teaching might commit certain actions without knowing they are
wrong. If they had no reasonable way to learn the truth, they would be
acting under invincible ignorance and would not be held morally
responsible for their actions.
 6.2.1. THE INTELLECTUAL ELEMENT

3. Importance of Knowledge in Moral Evaluation:

Vincible ignorance is when a person is ignorant
of a fact or moral truth but could and should have
made the effort to learn or discover it. In cases of
vincible ignorance, the individual is still held
morally accountable because they had the
opportunity and responsibility to know better but
chose not to do it.
• Examples of Vincible Ignorance:
• Say someone is in a store and the clerk doesn't
know the price of an item, instead of asking the
manager in the back room, he makes up a price,
which makes him guilty.
 5. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTELLECT AND WILL:

• Intellect Informs the Will: The

intellect provides the necessary
knowledge and judgment for the will to
act.
• Will Executes the Decision: The will
follows the guidance of the intellect to
carry out the action.
 7. FACTORS AFFECTING THE INTELLECTUAL ELEMENT:

• Education and Formation: The development of moral and

intellectual capacities through education, upbringing, and
experience.
• Emotions and Passions: While intellect guides, emotions
and passions can influence decision-making. Proper
integration of intellect and emotions is essential for moral
acts.
• External Influences: Social, cultural, and environmental
factors can impact the intellectual process and moral
discernment.
 6.2.2. THE VOLITIVE ELEMENT

• The volitive element of a human act pertains

to the role of the human will in the decision-
making and action process. It involves
intention, choice, and commitment to action,
influenced by the intellectual element.
Understanding the volitive element is crucial
because it determines the degree of
voluntariness and moral responsibility
 6.2.2. THE VOLITIVE ELEMENT
1. DEFINITION AND ROLE:
• Will: The faculty of the human mind responsible for
making choices and commitments based on reason and
desire.
• Role in Human Acts: The will engages in intention
formation, decision-making, and execution of actions. It
reflects the personal commitment to the chosen course
of action.
 6.2.2. THE VOLITIVE ELEMENT
2. Components of the Volitive Element:
• Intention: The purpose or motive behind an action.
It signifies the end or goal that the agent aims to
achieve.
• Choice: The act of selecting one course of action
among various alternatives, influenced by
deliberation and judgment.
• Consent: The agreement of the will to pursue the
chosen action, demonstrating a commitment to carry
 6.2.2. THE VOLITIVE ELEMENT
3. Importance of Intention in Moral Evaluation:

• Moral Value: Intention significantly affects the moral

evaluation of an act. A good intention can enhance the moral
quality of an act, while a bad intention can corrupt it.
• Examples:
• A person donates to charity (good act) with the intention of helping
the needy (good intention).
• A person donates to charity (good act) with the intention of gaining
public praise (bad intention).
 4. FACTORS AFFECTING THE VOLITIVE ELEMENT:

• Freedom: The degree of freedom in making a choice

affects moral responsibility. Coercion, fear, or other
external pressures can diminish the voluntariness of
an act.
• Habit: Repeated actions can form habits that
influence the will's decisions, either positively or
negatively.
• Passions and Emotions: Emotions can motivate and
influence the will, but they should be integrated with
 5. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTELLECT AND
WILL:
• Intellect Guides the Will: The intellect provides
the necessary knowledge and judgment to inform
the will's choices.
• Will Executes the Intellect's Decisions: The will
follows the guidance of the intellect, committing to
and executing the chosen action.
• Mutual Influence: While the intellect informs the
will, the will's desires and intentions can also
influence intellectual deliberation.
 6.2.3 PROCESS INVOLVE IN A VOLUNTARY ACT

• The process involved in a voluntary act comprises several

stages where the intellect and will work together to produce
deliberate and morally evaluable actions.
1. Perception and
Cognition:

• Awareness: Becoming conscious of a situation or a potential

action through sensory perception and mental recognition.
• Understanding: The intellect comprehends the nature of the
situation or action, including its possible consequences.
 2. JUDGMENT:

• Decision-Making: The intellect reaches a

conclusion about the best course of action
based on the deliberation process.
• Formation of Intention: The will forms an
intention to pursue the chosen action,
guided by the intellect's judgment.
 3. CONSENT:

• Commitment: The will commits to the

chosen action, signifying an internal
agreement to follow through with the
intention.
• Resolution: The decision is solidified,
and the individual prepares mentally
and emotionally to execute the action.
 4. EXECUTION:

• Action Initiation: The will directs the

body to perform the chosen action.
• Performance: The action is carried out
in accordance with the intention and
the decision made during deliberation.
 5. REFLECTION

Review and Evaluation: After the

action is performed, the individual
reflects on the outcome and the process,
evaluating whether the action achieved
the desired results and aligned with
moral principles.
Learning: Lessons are learned from the
experience, which can influence future
decisions and actions.
 6.3 IMPEDIMENTS FOR HUMAN ACTS

• Impediments to human acts are factors

that can affect a person’s ability to
freely and fully choose their actions,
thus influencing the moral responsibility
of the person performing the act.
 TYPES OF IMPEDIMENTS FOR HUMAN
ACTS
• 6.3.1. Ignorance: about something that a person should
know in order to make an informed decision.
• There are two main types of ignorance:.
• Invincible Ignorance: This occurs when a person does
not know something and has no reasonable way of
knowing it. In this case, the person is not morally
responsible for their actions since they couldn't have
known better. For example, if a person unknowingly
violates a law that they had no way of learning about,
their responsibility might be diminished.
 TYPES OF IMPEDIMENTS FOR HUMAN
ACTS

• Vincible Ignorance: This happens when a person is

unaware of something, but they could have or should
have made an effort to know. In this case, the person
is still considered morally responsible because they
had the ability to overcome their ignorance but failed
to do so.
• 6.3.2. Passions refers to strong emotions or
desires that can influence a person's actions,
potentially overwhelming reason and moral
judgment.
• Passions are divided into:
• A. Antecedent Passion: occur when emotions arise
spontaneously and influence behavior before a person
can deliberate, often affecting the level of
responsibility for their actions.
• Example of Antecedent Passion:
• John is driving home from work when another driver
suddenly cuts him off in traffic. Without any time to
think, John becomes extremely angry. His anger
(antecedent passion) flares up instantly, and without
considering the consequences, he honks aggressively
and starts yelling at the other driver. His strong
emotional reaction happens before he has a chance to
fully assess the situation or calm down.
• Analysis:
In this situation, John’s anger is an example of
antecedent passion because it arose suddenly and
spontaneously, before he had time to control his
emotions or reflect on how to respond. His actions
were driven by his anger rather than reasoned
decision-making. As a result, his moral responsibility
for his aggressive behavior might be lessened, since
his emotions overwhelmed his ability to fully exercise
rational judgment.
• B. Consequent Passion: This occurs when a
person deliberately arouses emotions to
influence their actions. In this case, the person is
more responsible for their actions because they
intentionally allowed their passions to dominate
their will.
 EXAMPLE OF CONSEQUENT PASSION:

• Lisa has had an ongoing disagreement with her

colleague, Sarah. Before their next meeting, Lisa
starts thinking about all the past conflicts and
intentionally works herself up, dwelling on how
frustrated and angry with Sarah that makes her feel.
By the time the meeting begins, Lisa is already very
upset. She purposefully lets her anger guide her
actions, raising her voice and speaking harshly to
Sarah during the discussion.
 ANALYSIS

• In this situation, Lisa’s anger is an example of

consequent passion because she deliberately
intensified her emotions before the meeting. Her
anger didn’t arise spontaneously but was intentionally
cultivated by her thoughts and preparation. Lisa is
fully responsible for her actions because she
knowingly allowed her passions to influence her
behavior, rather than trying to control them.
• 6.3.3. Habits: A habit is a regular or repeated action
that can influence a person's ability to act freely. There
are two types:

• Good Habits (Virtues): These enhance a person’s

moral life by making it easier to choose good actions
consistently.
• Bad Habits (Vices): These impede a person’s moral life
by inclining them to choose immoral actions more easily
and without much thought. Over time, bad habits can
become so ingrained that a person may find it difficult to
6.3.4 Fear: is the emotional response
to a perceived threat or danger. It
can be an impediment to human acts
by coercing a person into doing
something they would not normally
choose under normal circumstances.
 6.3.4 FEAR:
Slight Fear: This has little effect on the freedom
of choice. If the fear is minor, the person is still
largely responsible for their actions.
Grave Fear: When a person is faced with
significant fear, such as threats to their life or
well-being, their freedom of choice may be
significantly diminished. In extreme cases, the
person’s moral responsibility is reduced because
they are acting out of compulsion.
6.4 FACTORS DETERMINING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

6.4.1 object of a human act refers to the

specific action that a person deliberately
chooses to perform. In moral theology or
philosophy, it is considered one of the key
components in determining the morality of an
act, along with intention and circumstances.
6.4 FACTORS DETERMINING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

1. What the Person Does (The Act Itself):

The object is what the person is doing—the actual deed
or behavior. It answers the question, “What action is
being carried out?” For example, if a person gives money
to charity, the object is the act of giving money.
6.4 FACTORS DETERMINING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

2. Moral Quality of the Object:

The object can be morally good, bad, or neutral. The
morality of the object is intrinsic to the act itself,
independent of the intention or circumstances. Some
actions, like murder or theft, are always considered morally
wrong based on their object, regardless of intention or
situation. Conversely, acts like helping others or telling the
truth are considered morally good based on their object.
6.4 FACTORS DETERMINING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

3. Direct vs. Indirect Consequences:

The object of the act involves the action itself and its direct
consequences. These are the immediate outcomes directly
tied to the action. For instance, in the case of stealing, the
direct consequence is the wrongful taking of someone else’s
property, which is inherently immoral. The indirect
consequences (like whether the person later uses the stolen
money for something good) are separate from the object itself.
6.4 FACTORS DETERMINING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

4. Relation to Intention and Circumstances:

The object must be evaluated alongside intention (why
the person is doing it) and circumstances (the situation in
which the action occurs). Even a good intention or
favorable circumstances cannot make an intrinsically
immoral object good. For example, lying to protect
someone’s feelings may have a good intention, but the
object (lying) remains morally wrong.
6.4 FACTORS DETERMINING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

6.4.2. The Circumstances Contextualizing the Human Act

In ethics, The Circumstances Contextualizing the Human
Act refer to the specific situational factors that influence the
morality of a person's actions. These circumstances are
secondary to the act itself but crucial in determining its moral
quality. The main purpose of considering circumstances in ethics
is to provide a more nuanced and comprehensive evaluation of
human behavior by taking into account factors that might affect
the agent's responsibility, the gravity of the act, and the overall
moral outcome.
6.4.2. THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONTEXTUALIZING THE HUMAN ACT

Key roles that circumstances play:

1. Affecting the moral responsibility:
Circumstances can either increase or decrease
a person's moral responsibility. For instance,
ignorance or coercion might reduce culpability,
while full knowledge and free consent might
heighten it.
6.4.2. THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONTEXTUALIZING THE HUMAN ACT

Key roles that circumstances play:

2. Modifying the moral quality of an act:
While certain acts may be inherently good or
bad, circumstances can make the act more or
less virtuous or harmful. For example, lying to
protect someone's life might be considered less
morally problematic than lying for personal gain.
6.4.2. THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONTEXTUALIZING THE HUMAN ACT

Key roles that circumstances play:

3. Influencing the consequences of the act:
Circumstances also help in understanding the
potential outcomes of an act, including the
extent of harm or benefit caused by the action.
An action’s consequences can be greatly altered
by the specific context in which it occurs.
6.4.2. THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONTEXTUALIZING THE HUMAN ACT

Key roles that circumstances play:

4. Clarifying intention: The agent's intention
is closely tied to the circumstances, as it can
determine whether an act is morally
acceptable. A good act done with bad
intentions (e.g., giving charity for fame) might
be less praiseworthy or even wrong.
 6.4 FACTORS DETERMINING THE MORALITY OF HUMAN ACTS

6.4.3. The End and Intention of the Agent in Performing a

Human Act
• In ethics, the End and Intention of the Agent in
performing a human act refers to the purpose or goal
that the person aims to achieve by carrying out the
action. It is one of the key elements in evaluating the
morality of an act, alongside the act itself and the
circumstances surrounding it.
 6.4.3. THE END AND INTENTION OF THE
AGENT IN PERFORMING A HUMAN ACT

• Key Aspects of Intention in Ethics:

• 1. Moral Relevance: The intention plays a
central role in determining the morality of an
act.
 6.4.3. THE INTENTION OF THE AGENT IN
PERFORMING A HUMAN ACT

• Key Aspects of Intention in Ethics:

• 2. Subjective Dimension: Intention
reflects the subjective mindset of the
agent, showing their personal reasoning
and motivation.
 6.4.3. THE END AND INTENTION OF THE
AGENT IN PERFORMING A HUMAN ACT

• Key Aspects of Intention in Ethics:

• 3. Intention vs. Act: While the act itself may be
morally neutral or even good, the agent’s
intention can elevate or diminish the moral value
of the act.
 6.4.3. THE END AND INTENTION OF THE AGENT IN
PERFORMING A HUMAN ACT

• Key Aspects of Intention in Ethics:

• 4. Intention and Ends: The end (or goal)
that the agent has in mind is crucial in moral
analysis.
 6.4.3. THE END AND INTENTION OF THE
AGENT IN PERFORMING A HUMAN ACT

• Key Aspects of Intention in Ethics:

• 5. Multiple Intentions: A single action may
have multiple intentions behind it.
 IMPORTANCE OF INTENTION IN ETHICAL
ANALYSIS:

Intention shapes the moral framework:

Even when the external act seems morally
good or bad, the intention behind it adds depth
to ethical analysis.
 IMPORTANCE OF INTENTION IN ETHICAL
ANALYSIS:

Distinguishing moral responsibility: Intention

helps determine whether the agent is morally
responsible for the outcome of an act, especially
when unintended consequences arise.
 REFERENCES

• Pinckaers, S., (2020). The Morality of Human

Acts. ISBN: 978-0813233151
Publisher: Catholic University of America Press
• DeNicola, D. R. (2020). The morality of human
acts. ABC Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-234-56789-0