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HUM2 Lesson 3

Human acts are defined as actions performed knowingly, freely, and willfully, distinguishing them from instinctive acts of man. The document outlines the attributes, kinds, and moral distinctions of human acts, including elicited and commanded acts, as well as the principles of voluntariness and accountability for actions. Additionally, it discusses the Principle of Double Effect, which addresses the moral implications of actions with both good and bad consequences.

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3 views4 pages

HUM2 Lesson 3

Human acts are defined as actions performed knowingly, freely, and willfully, distinguishing them from instinctive acts of man. The document outlines the attributes, kinds, and moral distinctions of human acts, including elicited and commanded acts, as well as the principles of voluntariness and accountability for actions. Additionally, it discusses the Principle of Double Effect, which addresses the moral implications of actions with both good and bad consequences.

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pragaezakiel5
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Lesson 3: Human Acts

Attributes of Human Act


Human acts are those performed by a person who is acting knowingly, freely, and
willfully.

These are different from acts of man, which are instinctive and not under the control
of the will (e.g., sneezing, heartbeat, reflex actions).

1. Knowingly (Knowledge)
Definition: When the doer is conscious and aware of the reason and the
consequences of their actions.

Example: A person chooses to donate to charity after understanding how it helps the
needy.

2. Freely (Freedom)
Definition: When the doer acts by their own initiative and choice, without being
forced by another person or situation.

Example: A student decides to study instead of going out with friends, without any
coercion.

3. Willfully (Will)
Definition: When the doer consents to the act, accepts it as their own, and assumes
accountability for its consequences.

Example: An artist paints a mural, accepting full responsibility for the message it
conveys.

Kinds of Human Acts

A. Elicited Acts
Performed by the Will but are not bodily externalized.

Wish
The tendency of the Will towards an object, without considering whether it is
attainable or not. Example: Wishing to fly like a bird.

Intention
The tendency of the Will towards an attainable object, without necessarily
committing oneself to get it. Example: Intending to buy a house in the future.
Consent
The acceptance of the Will to carry out the intention. Example: Agreeing to study
abroad.

Election
The selection of the Will of the means necessary to carry out the intention. Example:
Choosing a university to fulfill the intention of becoming a doctor.

Fruition
The enjoyment of the Will due to the attainment of the intention. Example: Feeling
satisfied after graduating.

B. Commanded Acts
Mental and bodily actions performed under the command of the Will. These are
either:

Internal actions
Performed mentally (e.g., reasoning, recalling, imagining, reflecting). Example:
Reflecting on a past mistake.

External actions
Performed bodily (e.g., walking, talking, dancing, writing). Example: Writing a poem.

Moral Distinctions
Moral actions: Conform to the norm of morality; good and permissible. Example:
Helping a person in need.

Immoral actions: Do not conform to the norm of morality; evil and prohibited.

- Intrinsically evil: The act is wrong by its nature. Example: Murder.

- Extrinsically evil: Wrongfulness comes from external factors. Example: Stealing


food for survival—context matters.

Amoral actions: Neutral to morality; may become good or evil depending on the
context. Example: Sleeping—neutral, but excessive sleep may lead to negligence.

Voluntariness (Volition)
Derived from Latin 'voluntas' meaning 'the will'. An act is voluntary when under the
control of the will.
Kinds of Voluntariness
1. Perfect Voluntariness: Full knowledge, complete freedom, full consent. Example:
Signing a contract after careful review.

2. Imperfect Voluntariness: Incomplete understanding or freedom. Example: Signing


under pressure or confusion.

3. Simple Voluntariness: Act done regardless of liking. Positive: Doing something


(e.g., attending class). Negative: Avoiding something (e.g., fasting).

4. Conditional Voluntariness: Act done due to forced circumstances. Example: Giving


wallet to a mugger under threat.

Directly and Indirectly Voluntary Acts


Directly voluntary: Result is directly intended. Example: Studying for an exam.

Indirectly voluntary: Result is not intended but follows the act. Example: Watching a
movie and missing class.

Are we accountable for actions indirectly willed?


Yes, if:

1. The doer can foresee the evil result.

2. The doer is free to refrain from the act.

3. The doer has a moral obligation not to do it.

Acts with Double Effect


A person is morally responsible for evil effects that naturally flow from a willed
action, even if unintended.

Principles of Double Effect


1. The act must be good or morally neutral. The end does not justify the means.

2. The good effect must not result from the evil effect.

3. The intention must be to achieve the good effect; evil is tolerated.

4. The good effect must outweigh the evil effect.


Final Slide Explanation (The Picture)
The image most likely illustrates a human act with both good and bad consequences,
supporting the Principle of Double Effect.

Example: A doctor performs a life-saving surgery with side effects like pain.

- Good: Healing the patient.

- Evil: Pain, complications.

Moral if: Surgery is good, good does not result from evil, intention is good, and good
outweighs the harm.

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