Unit 3: Psychological Basis of Morality
Table of Contents
1. Voluntary vs. Non-Voluntary Actions
In Ethics, we only judge actions that are part of Human Conduct. To understand conduct, we must distinguish between different types of actions.
Voluntary Actions
These are actions performed by a conscious, rational agent with deliberate choice. They involve:
- Knowledge: Awareness of the circumstances and the end goal.
- Freedom: The ability to act or refrain from acting.
- Intention: A conscious aim toward a specific result.
Non-Voluntary Actions
These are actions for which an agent is not morally responsible. Examples include:
- Reflexes: Involuntary physical movements like sneezing or blinking.
- Instinctive Actions: Actions done by animals or infants who lack rational capacity.
- Compulsory Actions: Actions forced by external physical power (e.g., someone physically moving your hand).
2. Motive of Moral Judgment
A motive is the internal, subjective feeling or drive that prompts the agent to act. It is the "Why" behind the action.
- Nature: Motives can include desires, passions, feelings of duty, or self-interest.
- Moral Role: Some philosophers argue that we should judge a person based on their motive. For example, giving to charity to help others (altruism) is morally superior to giving to charity just for public praise (vanity).
3. Intention and Moral Value
While motive is the "feeling" that starts the act, Intention is the cognitive "plan" that guides it. Intention includes the end, the means chosen, and the foreseen consequences.
| Feature | Motive | Intention |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The inner feeling/drive. | The aim plus the chosen means. |
| Temporal State | Precedes the action. | Persists throughout the action. |
| Scope | Narrow (Subjective drive). | Broad (Goal, means, and foresight). |
4. The Proper Object of Moral Judgment
Philosophers debate whether we judge the Motive, the Intention, or the Consequences of an act.
- The Intention as Object: Most ethicists conclude that Intention is the true object of moral judgment. Motive alone is too hidden, and consequences alone (utilitarianism) can be accidental. Intention represents the deliberate choice of the character.
Exam Focus: Tips & FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Motive and Intention?
A: Motive is the emotional source (e.g., hunger), whereas Intention is the rational target and the plan to reach it (e.g., the plan to buy bread from a store).
Q: Are 'means' part of the moral judgment?
A: Yes. In modern ethics, "the end does not justify the means." Using an immoral means (stealing) to achieve a good end (charity) makes the overall intention immoral.
Exam Tip
When writing about Voluntary Actions, always use the phrase "Conduct." Conduct is the proper subject matter of Ethics. Non-voluntary acts are not part of conduct.