THE202: Fundamental Moral Theology
Key details
| Accredited towards | Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts |
| Unit type | Core unit |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Indicative contact hours | 3 hours per week |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Offered in | Semester 2 |
| Tuition fee | Learn more |
Overview
This unit involves a study of the theological foundations of Catholic moral teaching. This encompasses the biblical sources of the teaching, the historical development of moral theology and the role of the Magisterium of the Church in authoritative pronouncements on moral questions. Topics treated include the history of Moral Theology, moral absolutes, the role of emotions in morality, sin, freedom and responsibility, and conscience. There is also a general treatment of issues in social ethics, bio-ethics and sexual ethics.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- critically evaluate the sources, importance and development of moral theology in the post-conciliar Church;
- illustrate how the revealed and natural law instils certain moral obligations in the person;
- describe and appraise the nature and function of the conscience as the witness to divine truth;
- compare and contrast the way in which different moral theories identify and apply the elements of a moral act which determine the morality of an action;
- construct an account of how true freedom necessarily leads to moral virtues, at a personal and social level, within the context of divine grace and supernatural perfection;
- develop an awareness of the basic content of and reasons for the Church’s sexual, bio-ethical and social teachings;
- encourage research, critical reading, reflection and analysis of presented material and readings;
- demonstrate the ability to think logically, critically analyse situations and design responsible solutions to problems;
- summarise information and communicate in a persuasive, logical and coherent manner;
- competently present clear written expression, logical essay structure and appropriate use of referencing and bibliography to comply with the strict conventions of academic writing;
- ability to work constructively in a group and actively participate in tutorial events.
Interested in other Theology units?
THE111: Introduction to Catholic Theology
THE102: The Development of Revelation
THE201: Sacramental Theology
THE202: Fundamental Moral Theology
THE301: Theology of the Post-Conciliar Era
THE302: Bioethics and the Catholic Tradition
THE303: Moral and Sexual Integrity
THE304: Public Morality and Catholic Social Ethics