1. Chapter Two Making Moral Decisions

2. Right Reason in Action Prudence The moral virtue that inclines us to lead good, ethical, and moral lives of action; “right reason in action,” as St. Thomas Aquinas said.

3. Right Reason in Action Prudence is necessary for correct judgment. Prudence forms our character and helps us to more easily make good choices and then act on them.

4. Right Reason in Action Discernment A decision-making process that focuses on the implications and consequences of an action or choice.

5. Right Reason in Action STOP Search out the facts Think about the various alternatives and consequences Others Pray

6. 1. Moral Object The specific thing the person is choosing to do “WHAT WE DO” The Sources of Morality

7. 2. Intention The motive, purpose, aim, objective or end of an action “WHY”

8. 3. Circumstances Answers the questions that begin with who, where, when, and how The conditions or facts attending an event and having some bearing on it. Can increase or decrease the moral goodness or evil of an action.

9. Two Rules of Morality to remember: Your actions must promote the true good of people or they are wrong. Make sure your actions always conform to objective norms of morality like the Ten Commandments.

10. Rules for governing intentions: 1.For something to be morally good both the action (moral object) and intention must be good. 2.The end does not justify the means – for an action to be moral, the intention or means must be moral

11. means A method, course of action, or instrument by which something can be accomplished Search out the Facts

12. Think About the Alternatives and Consequences Alternatives Until alternatives are considered, moral decisions should not be made. Thinking out alternatives involves creativity and dreaming. As well as moral reflection!

13. Think About the Alternatives and Consequences Consequences We should never act without considering the consequences of our actions. Consequences are not the only or decisive factor in the morality of actions; the moral object is the decisive factor. Ask the following question: Would I be willing to allow everyone in a similar situation to act this way?

14. Others Be Considerate of Others We must always ask how our proposed actions will affect others.

15. Others Be Consultive of Others Consult with people who have made tough decisions before and consider their advice. Be Consultive of the Church and its Magisterium Forming our consciences only after considering the good of all, and paying attention to the moral law as taught by the Church’s Magisterium, is a proven way to discern and do God’s will.

16. Pray Christian moral living is sustained by prayer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer as “the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit (2565) Prayer is a conversation with God consisting of two parts: talking and listening.

17. Vocabulary Prudence Discernment Moral object Intention Means Circumstances