Moral Decision-Making

Unit Title: Catholic Ethics: Understanding Moral Decision-Making in the Catholic Tradition

Big Question: How does the Catholic tradition guide people in making moral decisions?

Enduring Understandings: Students will understand that: Ethics involves seeking answers about what is good, right and just. Different ethical theories provide different ways of making moral decisions. Catholic ethics is grounded in Scripture, Tradition, human dignity, reason and the teachings of the Church. Catholic moral decision-making involves forming conscience and applying principles to real-life situations. Catholics are called to justify moral choices, not simply state opinions.

Week 1: Introduction to Ethics – What makes something “right” or “wrong”?

Learning intentions: Students will be able to: Define ethics and morality. Explain the origins and purpose of ethics. Distinguish between personal opinion and ethical reasoning. Key concepts: Ethics Morality Moral action Good/evil Human flourishing Virtue Activities: Ethical dilemma starter: “A doctor can save only one person: a young mother or an elderly scientist. Who should be saved?” Discuss: Is there an objective right answer? Where do moral rules come from? Catholic link: Introduce: Humans created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27) Human dignity as the foundation of Catholic ethics.

Assessment preparation: Students begin an ethics glossary.

Week 2: Ethical Theories – Different ways humans decide what is right Learning intentions: Students will be able to: Describe different ethical theories. Compare how theories approach moral decisions.

Ethical theories:

1. Consequentialism / Utilitarianism Question: What outcome produces the greatest good? Example: Saving five lives by sacrificing one.

2. Deontology Question: What is my duty? Example: Some actions are wrong regardless of consequences.

3. Virtue Ethics Question: What kind of person should I become? Focus: Character Habits Virtues

4. Relativism Question: Does morality depend on culture or individuals? Activities: Students apply each theory to one ethical scenario.

Week 3: Foundations of Catholic Ethics Learning intentions: Students will understand: The basis of Catholic moral teaching.

Sources of Catholic Ethics:

Scripture Examples: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) Greatest Commandment: “Love God and love your neighbour” (Matthew 22:37-39) Tradition Teachings passed down through the Church Magisterium Teaching authority of the Church Natural Law Moral understanding accessible through human reason

Key concept: Catholic ethics is not just about rules; it is about relationship with God and the pursuit of human flourishing.

Week 4: Principles of Catholic Ethics Learning intentions: Students will identify and explain Catholic ethical principles.

Key principles: Human Dignity Every person has worth because they are created by God. Common Good Society should promote the wellbeing of all. Solidarity We have responsibility for others. Preferential Option for the Poor The vulnerable deserve special care. Stewardship Humans are responsible for creation.

Activity: Students analyse current issues: Poverty Climate change Refugees Technology Using Catholic principles.

Week 5: Conscience – How do Catholics know what is right? Learning intentions: Students will explain: The role of conscience. How conscience is formed.

Key teaching: Conscience is not simply: “Whatever I feel is right.” Catholic understanding: Conscience is: The ability to recognise moral truth. Formed through: Scripture Prayer Church teaching Reason Experience Key quote: Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Conscience is a judgment of reason.”

Activity: Students examine: Why can two people have different consciences? Can conscience be wrong?

Week 6: A Catholic Method of Ethical Decision-Making Learning intentions: Students will learn a Catholic ethical decision-making process. Use a scaffold like:

Catholic Ethical Decision-Making Model

1. Identify the issue What is the moral problem?
2. Gather information What facts matter?
3. Consider Scripture and Tradition
4. Apply Catholic principles
5. Consider consequences
6. Form a conscience-based judgement
7. Act responsibly Students practise with scenarios.

Week 7: Contemporary Ethical Issue Investigation Students choose: Abortion Euthanasia / assisted dying Artificial intelligence Climate change Poverty Refugees War and peace Human trafficking Genetic technologies They investigate: The Issue What is the ethical dilemma? Who is affected? What are the competing viewpoints? The Catholic Response What does the Church teach? Why does the Church respond this way?

Week 8: Catholic Ethical Analysis Students analyse: Source 1: Scripture Examples: Genesis 1:27 — human dignity Matthew 22:37–39 — love of neighbour Matthew 25:31–46 — care for vulnerable people Source 2: Tradition / Church teaching Examples: Catechism Papal documents Vatican documents NZ Catholic Bishops’ statements Ethical principles: For example: Human dignity Sanctity of life Common good Solidarity Preferential option for the poor Stewardship

Week 9: Writing Workshop Students structure: Introduction Identify ethical issue and Catholic tradition. Paragraph 1: Explain the issue. Paragraph 2: Explain Catholic response. Paragraph 3: Analyse ethical principles behind the response. Paragraph 4: Evaluate the response: strengths challenges wider implications Conclusion: Draw conclusions about the Catholic response.

Week 10 Assessment I would word it: Analyse the response of the Catholic Church to a contemporary ethical issue. Students must: Achieved: Explain the issue and Catholic response with evidence. Merit: Analyse in depth: ethical principles, sources, teachings, reasons behind the response. Excellence: Analyse with perception: critically evaluate the Catholic response, consider tensions/challenges, discuss wider implications.