TITLE: A MĀORI PERSPECTIVE IN ETHICS/ MAKING ETHICAL DECISIONS

LO’S: - DESCRIBE KEY FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH MAORI ETHICS- DEFINE THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSCIENCE IN ETHICAL DECISIONS

Ethics and ethical issues 3.4 2

Ko tōna mea nui he tapu

ONE’S GREATEST POSSESSION IS

TAPU

TAPUTapu is used in three senses:

1) Restrictions or prohibitions which safeguard the dignity and survival of people and things.

2) The value, dignity, or worth of someone or something.

3) The intrinsic being or essence of someone or something.

MANASpiritual power or authority

Sources are both divine and human, namely God, one’s ancestors and one’s achievements in life.

Comes to people from:Mana tangata –peopleMana whenua – the landMana atua – spiritual powers

THREE PRINCIPLES OF ACTION Tika

Justice, what is right or should be done.Demands that tapu be acknowledged.

Pono Integrity, truth, faithfulness to tika.

ArohaLove and/or compassion

1. Joyful relationship involving the expression of goodwill and the doing of good, empathy.

2. Sympathy, compassion towards those who are unhappy or suffering.

MAKING ETHICAL DECISIONS

A Catholic’s conscience can be informed

by

Family cultural values

Christian values

Catholic views on human dignityChurch

Teaching

Scripture

Natural Law

THE PRIMACY OF CONSCIENCEPeople are obliged to

follow their conscience in

all circumstances and

cannot be forced to act

against it.

John Paul II, World Day of Peace,

1999

THE EXERCISE OF CONSCIENCE

A process whereby a person is led to make a judgement about the right course of action.

It concludes with the self-evaluation of the action. Desire to know the good – proactive.Discernment of the particular good –

alternative and reasons: Analysis of the situation. Gathering of information and seeking wise

advice. Reflection on consequences.

Judge the right action – do this, shun that.Self-evaluation – post action reflection.

TITLE: A PROCESS OF MORAL DECISION-MAKING

LO’s: List the steps involved for practicing moral decision-making.

Step 1 – Define the issue

Step 2 – Seek advice, information and guidance

Step 3 – Reflect honestly on the proposed action itself

and its consequences

Step 4 – Pray for God’s guidance

Step 5 – Decide and act

1. DEFINE THE ISSUE

What exactly is happening?

Who is involved?

What is my role in the situation?

May require reflection & study

For information & guidanceThe values &

teachings of the New Testament.

Teachings of the Church.

Respected people of faith & goodwill.

2. SEEK ADVICE

3. REFLECT ON THE CONSEQUENCES

If ...

If not...

Reflect honestly on the choices available in light of the results that are likely to occur

4. PRAY FOR GOD’S GUIDANCE

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;Courage to change the things I can;And wisdom to know the difference. Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)

5. DECIDE AND ACT

Decide

DoReflect

Once the Catholic Christian has seriously considered a decision in light of an INFORMED conscience they can act with confidence