Moral Principles

Definition Leading other people into sin, either by bad example, poor teaching, or the appearance of sin. Explanation Within the human family, and even moreso the Catholic family, we are responsible for one another’s spiritual welfare. Our sins affect every other person in some way. Leading someone to sin is a grave evil because it…

Definition Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Explanation In the classic (Greek) understanding of love, there are actually five types of love. The highest level of love in Greek culture was philios, brother love. Philios can be defined as “willing the good of the other.” When you love someone with…

Definition An action that has both good and evil effects can be performed if the following conditions are met: The act itself is morally good or at least morally neutral Only the good effect is intended, the evil effect is only tolerated The good effect does not come about as the result of the evil…

Definition We cannot reach a good goal (“ends”) by doing evil to get it (the “means” to the goal). Explanation We’ve all heard someone justifying doing something evil by saying, “but I meant well,” or, “I did what I had to do.” Euthanasia is often justified by claiming it is done to relieve suffering. Movie…

Definition Every moral decision must treat all human beings as persons, concerned with the spiritual and physical dimensions of human nature and attendant to the inherent worth of every individual life. Explanation This is among the most fundamental principles derived from the moral law. Many theologians consider it self-evident. The dignity of the human person…

Definition The common good is the collection of goods that are created and shared by a society that help human beings attain true human fulfillment. Explanation By coming together as a society, people create goods that would not necessarily be available to individuals living on their own. Goods such as culture, education, health care, and…