NOTRE

DAME SEMINARY
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Course Syllabus for MT 501

Principles of Moral Theology
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer E. Miller Semester: Fall 2014
Email: jmiller@nds.edu Time: Th. 1:30pm – 4:15 pm
Office Hours: SJ 109/M, W 1:30-3:30 pm Place: Classroom # 1
Phone: 866-7426, ext. 114

I. Course Description
The course serves as an introduction to Moral Theology and is specifically designed to acquaint
the seminarian of theology with the Moral tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. This course
will cover the history of Moral Theology and also specific basic moral notions such as:
conscience, freedom, values, norms, and natural law. The basic connection between Moral
Theology, Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition will also be explained, as well as how Moral
Theology relates to other theological disciplines.

II. Course Rationale

Optatam Totius states that in priestly formation, “Special care must be given to the perfecting of
moral theology. Its scientific exposition, nourished more on the teaching of the Bible, should
shed light on the loftiness of the calling of the faithful in Christ and the obligation that is theirs of
bearing fruit in charity for the life of the world”. (OT, 16) Hence, this course focuses upon that
call to holiness which exhorts all men to the heroism of the saintly life and culminates in
beatitude. Such sanctity is best understood and most attractive to the human person when it is a
call to the beauty and the good of the virtues lived in Christ, instead of a mere opposition to the
mediocrity of the world. Our exposition of moral theology will thus be framed in this light, to
provide future priests with those tools enabling them to preach and to correct in a manner
coherent with the joy of the new evangelization.

III. Course Goals/Intended Outcomes

 The seminarian will develop an appreciation of the history of Moral Theology and
its connection to theological thought and development.
 The seminarian taking this course should also be able to understand and articulate
fundamental principles related to Moral Theology.
 These fundamental principles would include natural law, moral norms, and how
Moral Theology relates to other theological disciplines and the human sciences.
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IV. Instructional Methods

1) Lecture
2) Socratic Question and Answer
3) Reading and Elaboration Based Upon Primary Texts

V. Texts (Required)

To Buy:

1. Servais Pinckaers, The Sources of Christian Ethics, trans. from the third edition, Sr. Mary
Thomas Noble, T&T Clark, Edinburgh 1995.

Available online:

1. St. Augustine, Commentary on the Sermon on the Mount.

2. St. John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor, 1993.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, I-II. (Abbreviated: ST)
4. Enrique Colom & Angel Rodriguez Luño, Chosen in Christ to Be Saints I: Fundamental
Moral Theology, EDUSC, Rome 2013. (This has yet to be published in the States. The author,
the dean of moral theology at The Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, has provided
us with a pdf version to use and diffuse.)

VI. Bibliography

Abbà, Giuseppe, Quale impostazione per la filosofia morale?, LAS, Roma 1995.

Aquinas, Thomas, Disputed Questions on Virtue, translation and preface by Ralph McInerny, St.
Augustine’s Press, 1999.

Copleston, Frederick, A History of Philosophy, Vol. 2: Medieval Philosophy – From Augustine to

Duns Scotus, Image, 1993.

Ibsen, Henrik, Brand: A Version for the Stage by Geoffrey Hill, Penguin, 1997.

MacIntyre, Alasdair, After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theology, third edition, University of Notre
Dame Press, 2007.

MacIntyre, Alasdair, Dependent Rational Animals: Why Human Beings Need the Virtues, Open
Court, 2001.

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Ratzinger, Joseph, “The Renewal of Moral Theology: Perspectives of Vatican II and Veritatis
Splendor,” Communio 32 (Summer 2005) 357-368.

Rhonheimer, Martin, The Perspective of Morality: Philosophical Foundations of Thomistic

Virtue Ethics, Catholic University of America Press, 2011.

Rhonheimer, Martin, “The Political Ethics of Constitutional Democracy and the Place of Natural
Law in Public Reason: Rawls’ ‘Political Liberalism Revisited,’ ” The American Journal
of Jurisprudence 50 (2005) 1-70.

*Vidal, Marciano, Historia de la teología moral, Perpetuo Socorro Editorial, 2012.

Other relevant sources will be indicated in class.

VII. Professional Vocabulary

Moral Theology: the study of human acts in the light of Christ as directed to beatitude, man’s
last end. (cfr. Veritatis Splendor, 29)

Fundamental Moral Theology: the subdivision of moral theology that studies the nature of
moral acts and the conditions that make for moral responsibility and growth in virtue. Specific
moral theology studies particular moral themes, such as sexuality, bioethics, and social ethics.

Freedom for excellence: that freedom, based on moral truth, which perfects the acting person,
contributes to the good of others, and leads us to God, the source of our final happiness.

Virtue: an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. (CCC 1803)

Concupiscible passions: the passions of the concupiscible appetite or the pleasure impulse,
which has as its object the good which is pleasing to the senses; these are love, hatred, desire, joy
and sadness. (Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 146, 147)

Irascible passions: the passions of the irascible appetite or the aggressive impulse, which has as
its object the pleasing good which is difficult to reach or the evil which is difficult to evade, and
which therefore requires effort and battle; these are hope, desperation, audacity, fear, and anger.
(Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 146, 147)

Prudence: the fundamental (cardinal) virtue of the practical reason; starting from the stable
desire for virtuous ends, prudence can identify the action which here and now accomplishes the
virtuous end, in a way that can be chosen and taken to completion. (Colom-Rodríguez-Luño,
222, 219)

Human act (actus humanus): a voluntary act of the human person, whose principle is found
within the agent and which implies knowledge. (cfr. ST I-II, q.6, a.1, respondeo)

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Sources of morality: the object, the intention, and the circumstances of an actus humanus.
(CCC 1750)

Object (of the actus humanus): the action itself, as deliberately chosen and willed on the part of
the acting person. (cfr. CCC 1751)

Natural Law: a participation of the rational creature in Divine Providence, or right reason in its
search for the good. (cfr. ST I-II, q. 91, a.2, respondeo)

Conscience: a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a
concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already
completed; (CCC 1778) the more a correct conscience prevails, the more do persons and groups
turn away from blind choice and try to be guided by objective standards of moral conduct. (CCC
1794)

Invincible ignorance: “an ignorance of which the subject is not aware and which he is unable to
overcome by himself” (Veritatis Splendor, 62; cfr. ST I-II, q.76, a.2 respondeo)

Privatio boni: the lack of goodness necessary for fullness of being, which is also known as evil.
(cfr. ST I-II, q.18, a.1, respondeo; a.4, ad 3)

Sin: a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain
goods. (CCC 1849)

Intrinsece malum: intrinsically evil acts, concrete behaviors (adultery, abortion, etc.) which are
morally evil “always and per se, in other words, on account of their very object, and quite apart
from the ulterior intentions of the one acting and the circumstances”. (Colom-Rodríguez-Luño,
171, citing Veritatis Splendor, 80)

Principle of double effect: acts which, beyond their desired effects, have also consequences
which are not desired, but tolerated for love of the good effect which is sought, can licitly be
performed under the following conditions: 1) the act is good in itself or at least indifferent; 2) the
good effect is not accomplished by the evil action; 3) the good effect, and not the evil, is directly
willed; 4) there is a proportion between the good intended and the evil tolerated. (Colom-
Rodríguez-Luño, 188, 189)

VIII. Lecture, Presentation, and Reading Schedule

CLASS THEME READINGS

Aug. 28 Introduction: Call to sanctity Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 15-51, 85-
106
Sept. 11 History: Pinckaers: 104-167, St. Augustine’s
St. Paul Commentary on the Sermon on the

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 Sermon on the Mount Mount: Bk I: Ch. 1-5, Bk II: Ch. 3-11
Sept. 18 Penitentials, X-XII centuries Pinckaers, 191-239, 168-190
Thomas Aquinas
Sept. 25 Ockham & Nominalism Pinckaers, 240-279, 327-378
Manualist Tradition
Oct. 2 Modern era, Council of Trent, Pinckaers, 379-399, 280-323
Vatican II
Oct. 9 Dissent, Veritatis Splendor Veritatis Splendor, Colom-Rodríguez-
Luño, 126-128
Oct. 16 Midterm ST I-II, Prologue, q.1, a.1,7; q.3; a.3,
q. 4, a.3,4; q.5, a.3,5,7,8
Man’s Last End Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 55-84; 109-
111
Oct. 23 Passions ST I-II, q.22, a.3; q.23, a.1,2; q.24,
a.1,2,3; q.28, a.4,6; q.29, a.4; q.30,
a.3,4; q.38; q.43, a.1
Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 129-155
Oct. 30 Human Acts ST I-II, q.6, a.1,3,4,5,6,7,8; q.8, a.1,2;
q.9, a.1, q.10, a.3; q. 18, a.1,2,3, 4,
9,11; q.19, a.5,6 Colom-Rodríguez-
Luño, 157-197
Nov. 6 Habits ST I-II, q.49, a.1; q.51, a.4; q. 52, a.3;
q. 55, a.3; q.56, a.4, q. 57, a.4,5; q. 58,
a.1-5; q.63, a.3; q.65, a.1,2
Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 203-233
Nov. 13 Law, the Virtues, and Grace ST I-II, a.90, a.1,2; q.91, a.1,2; q.94,
a.2,3,4; q.100, a.1; q.106, a.1; q.108,
a.2; q. 109, a.2
Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 235-279
Nov. 20 Civil Law, Ecclesiastical Law, and ST I-II, q.92, a.1; q.95, a.1,2,4; q.96,
Conscience a.2,3,4
Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 281-330
Dec. 4 Sin and Conversion ST q.71, a.4,5,6; q.72, a.5,8; q.73,
a.4,5,6; q.74, a.1,5; q.75, a.1; q.76,
a.2,3; q. 77, a.6; q.78, a.4
Colom-Rodríguez-Luño, 331-368

IX. Course Requirements

 Read all assigned readings.

 Prepare for the daily quizzes.
 Participate in class and maintain a good attendance record
 Elaborate a 10-page paper on one of the virtues in the Summa Theologica II-II.

X. Important Dates

Midterm – October 16
Paper – November 20
Final Exam– December 9-11

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All dates are subject to change if circumstances warrant them.

XI. Evaluation Criteria

Final Exam: 30%

Midterm: 30%
Paper: 25%
Daily Quizzes and Participation: 15%

Paper: Each student is required to elaborate a 10-page paper based on one of the virtues in the
Summa Theologica II-II. The theme of this paper should be submitted to the professor for
approval by e-mail no later than October 9. Such an elaboration should include an introduction
that indicates why this virtue is particularly pertinent in the new evangelization; a section of
theological elaboration which draws upon the Summa Theologica and Aristotle’s Nicomachean
Ethics (if the virtue is found therein); and a section which, using two or three fonts from more
popular sources, indicates how this virtue is viewed and being developed in contemporary
culture and can be part of the call to sanctity in the new evangelization. As St. Justin Martyr
reminds us, “All truth wherever it is found belongs to us as Christians”. (Second Apology, 13) A
conclusion should summarize and draw together all of the aforementioned sections.

The format of the paper should be the Turabian indicated for the seminary.

Possible popular sources will be indicated in class, but students are also encouraged to seek them
out independently.

XII. Attendance Policy

Notre Dame Seminary observes the following policy regarding class attendance: Regular class
attendance is expected and required of all students who intend to receive credit for course work
in the graduate school. Inevitably, extraordinary circumstances will arise that make class
attendance impossible on occasion; therefore, a formula for determining regular attendance has
been established as policy for the convenience of both seminarians and instructors. A student is
permitted to be absent from class no more than twice the number of times the class meets per
week. (You are considered absent if you are not present when attendance is taken). Thus, if a
student is absent for seven classes from a course that meets three times a week, the student is in
violation of school policy in this regard. The normal penalty for such a violation is the grade FA
(failure due to absence).

The number of absences includes those due to illness, late registration, or any other cause.
Absence from class immediately before or after holidays and free weekends is considered a
double cut. Only the Academic Dean may waive penalties for absence. In absences due to illness,
you must inform the instructor and your formation advisor prior to the class.

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XIII. Academic Integrity

Seminarians of Notre Dame Seminary are required to commit themselves to responsible

scholarship in every aspect of priestly formation, including academics. It is expected that every
seminarian works and studies to the best of his ability for every course.

Seminarians also accept responsibilities and obligations as students, which include commitments
to honesty, disciplined study, and integrity in their academic work. They will be expected to
respect academic scholarship by giving proper credit to other people’s work, while at the same
time preparing well for assigned materials and examinations in such a way that their academic
integrity will never be questioned.

Those needing assistance with writing papers, or who would like tutoring, should contact the
Academic Resource Center (ARC) for assistance. All students are encouraged to seek the direct
assistance of their instructor whenever any questions arise regarding assignments, grading,
course expectations, etc.

XIV. Disability Accommodation Policy

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Notre Dame Seminary provides
disability accommodations for students with identified and/or diagnosed disabilities. Students
with disabilities need not inform their instructors about the nature of their disabilities, but they
are responsible for contacting and providing appropriate documentation to the Academic
Resources Center. Requests for accommodations must be made each semester for which the
student wishes to receive service; the Academic Resources Center will then distribute a letter of
accommodation to the faculty. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with each faculty member
to discuss how his/her accommodation(s) may be met within each course. Notre Dame Seminary
will attempt to meet reasonable accommodations requested. A reasonable accommodation is a
modification to a non-essential aspect of a course, program, or facility which does not pose an
undue burden and which enables a qualified student with a disability to have adequate
opportunity to participate and to demonstrate his or her ability. Such accommodations are
determined on an individual basis depending upon the nature and extent of the disability. For
more information, contact the Academic Dean’s Office.

XV. Extension Policy

Instructors are never obligated to grant a student’s request for a due-date extension on a
paper/project if they judge the request to be without sufficient merit or not in keeping with the
fair requirements articulated in the course syllabus.

XVI. Audit Policy

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For academic course audits at Notre Dame Seminary, the amount of work required of
seminarians will be decided on a case by case basis by the instructor, the Academic Dean and the
seminarian’s Formation Advisor.

XVII. Probation and Grading Policy

Passing grades for seminarians are A, B and C. A seminarian is put on academic probation for
the following:

A seminarian who obtains a D+ or lower in any course is automatically placed on probationary

status and must repeat the course in order to get credit for the course. Seminarians will be
allowed to repeat a course only once and the course must be repeated at NDS. Seminarian status
is then subject to review by the Dean.

A seminarian whose semester grade point average (GPA) in coursework is below a 2.30 at any
time is placed on academic probation. Two or more consecutive semesters may subject the
seminarian to be dismissed from academic formation at Notre Dame Seminary. To be removed
from probationary status, the seminarian must complete a semester with a GPA of 2.30 or higher.

After each semester, the seminarian’s Bishop will receive a copy of his transcript and a review of
the seminarians’ status.

If a seminarian fails to meet the passing grade point average requirement then he forfeits his
eligibility for financial aid under Title IV Federal Regulations.

Letter
Grade Quality Points Grade Scale
Number

A 4.00 100 – 94
A- 3.70 93 – 90
B+ 3.30 89 – 88
B 3.00 87 – 84
B- 2.70 83 – 80
C+ 2.30 79 – 78
C 2.00 77 – 74
C- 1.70 73 – 70
D+ 1.30 69 – 68
D 1.00 67 – 64
D- .70 63 – 60
F 0.00 59 – 0

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See Academic Catalog for Grading Guidelines Policy Narrative.

XVIII. Syllabus Contract

This syllabus obliges the student to adhere to all policy requirements and to fulfill all academic
expectations herein stated; it also entitles the student to a reasonable opportunity to learn the
material specified in the course description in order to accomplish for himself the educational
goals of the course. In order to optimize the learning process the course instructor reserves the
right to make reasonable adjustments to the syllabus requirements during the semester, in
response to unforeseen developments or circumstances. All adjustments made must be
communicated clearly to students.