-
Morality Vis-a-vis Reason In Aquinas Philosophy: A Critical Analysis
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 2]
Page 2 of 2
-
-
-
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
There are certain actions which all of us will
individually or collectively condemn as morally wrong and ought not to
be done or performed by anybody. For instance, murder, robbery,
embezzlement of public funds, bribery and corruption, and so on. On the
other hand, there are certain actions like kindness, hospitality,
honesty and so on, which are considered as morally good. Again, there
are certain kinds of action that do not enjoy universal consensus on
their goodness or badness, rightness or wrongness because of difference
in opinion, for instance, abortion, contraception euthanasia, nuclear
warfare etc.
The need now arises for us to know why in Aquinas
philosophy, certain actions are considered good while others are
considered bad. What in Aquinas view, is the yardstick for determining
good and bad actions and what is the paradigm for measuring such
actions. What, within the assumptions of Aquinas, does it ever mean to
say that an action is good or bad in itself? Or, is it our thinking that
makes any action good or bad?
Some people, like Hume, opined that
reason is and ought to be the slave of the passions, and can never
pretend to any other office than to serve and obey them. They opined
that morality is determined by sentiments.
Also, some philosophers
like Aquinas, the stoic Duns Scotus and so on, postulated that right
reason is the moral standard. Consequently, what ever is in line with
right reason is morally wrong. But how does one known whether abortion,
euthanasia, contraception etc, conforms to right reason, especially when
there are many intelligent and cogent argument for or against the
morality of these conditions?
PURPOSE OF STUDY
The main purpose
of this research/work study is to critically analyze the various notion
of morality and reason, also, see how morality is been guided by reason,
in respect to “Thomas Aquinas.†It is also intended towards serving as
an impetus for improving the level of understanding of morality and
reason by upcoming students of Nigeria University and tertiary
institutions alike.
This work-study is also intended to throw more light on reason and moral ideas, principles and benefits.
SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
One
of the significance of this work study is that it exposes the
beautification of morality and reason in general. This study will also
enable us to critically differentiate between the ancient and modern
concepts of morality and reason.
It will be of great benefit, if man
observed, and make good use of his rationality and moral values in order
to create and dwell in a better society. If this is done, man and his
society will enhance thereby checkmating immorality and irrational
attitude.
Another significance of this project/work study is that it
seeks to expose some of the lapses that are inherent in man’s approach
to morality and reason.
SCOPE OF STUDY
Aquinas interpretation of
morality vis-Ã -vis reason, which is in line with the precept of human
endeavour and his environment from the basic line of concentration in
this research/work study. The different notion of morality and reason
will also be given pre-eminence and special attention with a view of
critically assessing them.
METHODOLOGY OF STUDY
The methodology
of a work determines it’s specialty says Aristotle. The method shows how
a thing is done. It is in the light of this fact that i have decided to
adopt the massive use of historical and critical methods of
philosophical enquiry, other methodologies to be used in this
research/work study include the elaborate consultation of other relevant
philosophical, religious books, literature, articles and authorities.
CHAPTER ONE -- [Total Page(s) 2]
Page 2 of 2
-
-
ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]I intend to expose the indepth meaning of reason and morality using man as the major point on this discussion, due to the higher rational faculty he possess over other creatures. We shall also answer the question as: has reason any influence or party to play in morality? Or put simply, is reason necessarily required for man to be moral? If yes, should reason be the sole facts for morality? But if no, what then? This work is going to be base mostly on reason and morality in Thomas Aquinas Philoso ... Continue reading---
