Introduction to Moral Theology (28-37)

How do we figure out whether we live a morality of happiness or morality of obligation?

• By examining the way we normally do things and seeing what rules we follow.

• By reflecting only on the moral choices we make in extreme situations.

• By comparing our actions to what the majority of people in society believe.

• By choosing whichever set of rules feels most convenient at the moment.

According to Mattison, what is one reason we cannot simply “opt out” of morality?

• Every choice we make reflects some moral framework.

• Our non-decisions make an impact on the morality of others.

• Refraining from morality will have a disastrous effect on our happiness.

• Moral rules only matter when we are being watched by others.

What goal determines the best rules for both the morality-of-happiness and morality-of-obligation perspectives?

• To live life according to reason, or, “the way things are”.

• To follow whichever rules bring “the best result”.

• To avoid the rules that lead to “the most absurd consequences”.

• To live according to “the golden rule”.

How do you determine which rules to follow if you hold to a morality-of-obligation perspective?

• By figuring out who or what the proper authority is for a given situation and what that authority says to do.

• By choosing whichever action leads to doing what you desire without significant repercussions.

• By figuring out what sort of culture you live in and what the majority of people do.

• By deciding whether your actions can be generalized to apply to everyone in every given situation.

According to Mattison, select the reason why this approach fails: “we can’t be free if we are influenced by an authority”?

• Because an authority may actually present us with a good way to live.

• Because we can choose to follow a given authority with our freedom.

• Because we can still make free choices even if our core beliefs aren’t our own.

• Because even the person who isn’t influenced by an authority doesn’t have freedom.