CHRISTIAN MORAL PRINCIPLES

Chapter 8: The Modes of Responsibility Which Specify the First Principle

Question F: What is the sixth mode of responsibility?

1. The sixth mode is this: One should not choose on the basis of emotions which bear upon empirical aspects of intelligible goods (or bads) in a way which interferes with a more perfect sharing in the good or avoidance of the bad. Violating this mode means sacrificing reality to appearance, as is done, typically, by someone more interested in the conscious experience of enjoying a good or avoiding an evil than the reality. This blocks some realization of intelligible human goods and leads to self-deception, which distorts one’s appreciation of what is good. Hence, one who violates this mode does not proceed consistently with a will toward integral human fulfillment.

2. Sometimes one is aware—or could and should be aware—that what one is doing interferes with possible ways of serving goods or avoiding evils more perfectly and effectively. But, eager to experience some measure of satisfaction or enjoy some alleviation of a bad situation, one substitutes a less appropriate action for a more appropriate one. Whether for one’s own sake or another’s, one settles for an appearance of a good instead of pursuing its reality. This is not the same as a situation in which one acts for a limited aspect of an intelligible good without impeding a possible alternative. Nor does this mode rule out seeking “experience” as part of one’s action for the integral good, or even rule out acting for an empirical aspect of an intelligible good alone when nothing more can be attained.

3. Here are some examples of violations. A sick man who could have treatment which would really cure his condition prefers less effective treatment which offers a feeling of quick relief. A girl engaged to be married spends all her time and energy planning her wedding and has none left for adequate spiritual preparation for married life. A bishop, anxious to reconcile those alienated from the Church, holds penitential services to which he invites persons unwilling to amend their lives, gives all who come general absolution without individual confession, and thus fosters an appearance of reconciliation as a substitute for the reality.

4. There is no one name for the virtuous disposition corresponding to this mode of responsibility. It is referred to by various uses of such expressions as “having a sound sense of values,” “sincerity,” “seriousness,” “clearheadedness,” and “practical wisdom.” Expressions sometimes used to signify the opposed vice include “self-deception,” “superficiality,” “insincerity,” “lacking a sense of values,” “frivolity,” and “childishness.”

5. Even before Jesus, divine revelation deepens this mode’s foundation by establishing the primacy of divine reality which transcends experience. The new hope offered by God draws interest away from the more superficial to the more profound aspects of human goods. Moreover, living out the covenant requires sincerity. It is more a matter of doing than of feeling.