Understanding the internal mechanisms of human conduct.
1. Human Conduct vs. Behavior
In Ethics, we distinguish Conduct from mere behavior. Behavior includes all activities (reflexes, biological processes), whereas Conduct refers specifically to voluntary actions aimed at a conscious end.
2. Voluntary and Involuntary Actions
Moral judgment is only passed on voluntary actions. These are actions characterized by Knowledge of the end and Freedom of the will.
Involuntary actions (which are non-moral) include:
- Reflex Actions: Sudden physical responses like sneezing or blinking.
- Instinctive Actions: Actions governed by nature without rational deliberation.
- Compulsory Actions: Actions done under extreme physical force or "Acts of God" (natural disasters).
3. Motive: The Subjective Drive
A Motive is the inner drive, feeling, or desire that prompts a person to act. It is the answer to the question, "Why did you do it?"
4. Intention: The Objective Goal
Intention is a more complex psychological state than motive. It includes the End (the goal), the Means (the path taken), and the Foreseen Consequences.
| Feature | Motive | Intention |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The internal feeling/desire that initiates action. | The conscious aim and the plan to achieve it. |
| Nature | Subjective and emotional. | Objective and rational. |
| Scope | Narrower (just the "why"). | Broader (includes the end, means, and results). |
5. The Object of Moral Judgment
Philosophers debate whether moral judgment is passed on the Motive or the Intention. The generally accepted view in modern ethics is that we judge the Intention.
- If we judge only motive, we might excuse a person who does a terrible thing with a "good" feeling.
- By judging Intention, we evaluate the person's choice of means and their awareness of the consequences.
Exam Essentials
- Standard Question: "Distinguish between Motive and Intention. Which is the true object of moral judgment?" (10-15 marks).
- Key Distinction: Intention = End + Means + Foreseen Consequences.
- Concept to Remember: "Character" is the permanent habit of the will, while "Conduct" is the manifestation of that character in specific acts.