TH4: Principles of Moral Theology
Short Title:
Full Title:
Module Code:
Valid From:
Administrator:
Module Coordinator:
Description:
Principles of Moral Theology
Principles of Moral Theology
TH4
NFQ Level:
8
ECTS Credits:
5
Module Aims
To introduce students to the study of moral theology. Issues will include:
Understanding moral theology as an ecclesial discipline, with particular emphasis on
the renewal of moral theology in the post-conciliar period; the scriptural foundations
of moral theology; the moral life as a call to discipleship; the relationship between
conscience, as the subjective norm of the moral life, and the natural law, as the
objective norm of the moral life; the role of the Church in the formation of conscience;
the connection between scripture, tradition and magisterial teaching; an analysis of
human action as free, deliberative, purposive, and self-determining; virtue ethics and
the development of integral moral character; human goods as normo-genitive and the
question of absolute moral norms; the relationship between faith and morality, and
faith and reason.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be
able to:
Associated Programme
Outcomes
MO1 Discuss the task of the moral theologian in
the Church today in the light of Vatican II’s
call for renewal of moral theology.
PO1, PO2
MO2 Employ basic principles of moral reasoning to
individual cases and be able to assess the
logical coherence of moral arguments.
PO7
MO3 Identify key differences between two
contemporary moral systems and assess their
compatibility with the Christian Faith.
PO8
MO4 Critique values and beliefs of a secular world
view in the light of core principles of catholic
faith and practice.
PO3
TH4: Principles of Moral Theology
Pre-requisite Learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
Indicative Content
Human Action: Motive, Object, Circumstances.
Human Agent: Freedom, Person.
Five Approaches:
• Legalism and Positivism,
• Subjectivism and Individualism
• Relativism and Existentialism
• Consequentialism and Utilitarianism
• Humanism or Personalism
Natural Law: objective norm of morality; Conscience: subjective norm of morality; Formation and Kinds of
Conscience; Love as a moral duty; Human Welfare and Human; Rights; Human Character; Judaeo-Christian
Morality; Biblical Morality; Revealed Morality
Assessment Breakdown
Essay: 1500 words
MO1
Seminars: 1 x 500 word papers
MO4
End-of-module examination
MO1,2,3
Coursework Breakdown
Type
Description
Workload
Type
Lecture
Independent Learning
Library
Assignment
30%
%
10%
60%
Outcome
addressed
% of
Total
Full-Time Hours per semester
Description
Lecturing input
Self-directed reading and revision
Self and tutor-directed reading of course material
Researching, structuring information, writing up
Assessment Date
Hours
24
25
25
26
Total Workload 100
TH4: Principles of Moral Theology
Resources
Essential Book Resources
Hannon, Patrick (Ed.), Moral Theology: A Reader (Dublin: Veritas, 2006)
Hannon, Patrick, Moral Decision Making (Dublin: Veritas, 2005)
Harrington, Donal, What is Morality? (Dublin: Columba, 1996)
John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor (London: CTS, 1993)
Gula, Richard, Reason Informed by Faith (Mahwah,NJ: 1989)
Kammer, Charles, Ethics and Liberation (London: SCM, 1988)
Essential Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Module Managers & Teachers
Module Coordinators
Semester
Semester One
Semester Two
Module Teachers
Staff Member
Ursula Lawlor
Staff Member
Ursula Lawlor
Staff Number
Staff Number
TH4: Principles of Moral Theology