Apolonio, Justin C.

Section A Health Ethics

1. Have you at your age made a decision based only on your own reasoning and realized
later that you have made a wrong decision? What can you say about Aquinas’ natural
theory stating that “the source of moral law is reason itself”? 10 pts

As a person of my age, yes, I have made decisions on my own reasoning which I later
regretted. I was, in those decisions, convinced that what I was doing was right, but what I’ve
learned in those experiences is that while I thought I was making good decisions, my reason
was clouded by my strong emotions. These strong emotions overshadowed my reason to the
point that I couldn’t see where these decisions could go wrong.
For me, Aquinas’ theory is true. The source of moral law is a person’s reason. Although I would
like to tweak it a little bit into: “The source of moral law is unclouded reason”. This is because
sometimes, strong emotion like anger, joy, etc. can overshadow a person’s reason, therefore
resulting to half-hearted decisions and actions.

2. According to Aquinas one’s goodness or badness is determined by his ability to do

Man’s threefold natural inclination which is the following:
a). Self-preservation
b). Just dealing with others
c). Propagation of our species
Relate one experience from your past how you violated any one of the three human
inclinations and how did it affect your conscience? 10 pts
In the past, I was very uncaring about my health, especially when it comes to rest. I’ve been
pushing my sleep time up to the point where I’ve been only sleeping for 3 hours a day, with
short naps to make up for my sleepiness in the day. This, as I would think, is my own violation of
the Man’s threefold natural inclination which is self-preservation. During those times I always felt
guilty about not sleeping enough and giving myself enough rest. I also felt worried about my
health.

3. Share one true to life experience or experience of people you know that you can relate
with Double Effect Principle. Apply the “principles of resolution of the conflict” to
determine whether the action done was right or wrong.10 pts
My father is a police officer. During his service in the Special Action Force, he subdued
criminals and killing some in some of their operations. My father’s intentions were good, as the
policemen’s duty is to protect and maintain peace and order, but taking lives is considered
morally bad. Relating to the Principles of Resolution of the Conflict, my father’s actions were
intentionally good. In service, it is inevitable to have casualties from both sides. This is how this
instance relates with the Double Effect Principle.
4. Under the Principle of Totality how would Aquinas’ natural theory apply to those who opt
to undergo Genital reassignment surgery? Discuss your answer. 5pts
Although as it is mentioned in the Principle of Totality that a “Diseased organ may be amputated
but healthy organs, however, may not be cut off, as this would weaken a person’s health”,
genital reassignment surgery which prompts amputation or changes in the reproductive organs
of a person may be a violation, but this changes when we include the other statement which is
“An individual has the right to cut off, mutilate, or remove any defective or worn-out
nonfunctioning part of his body To dispose of his organs or to destroy their capacity to function
only insofar as the general well-being of the whole body requires it”
What I am implying is that a person has the right to chose to change his or her genitals if he or
she wants to. This is because gender identity also concerns the well-being of a person. Through
what means? Mentally. If gender reassignment may improve their self-esteem, which improves
their mental health (which if not given attention, will affect the well-being of the person), then
gender reassignment is considered as not a violation of the principle of totality whether the
genitals removed or changed are working or not.

5. Based from Aquinas’ “Stewardship Principle” Explain what would you teach your patient
they need to do to keep this principle? 5pts
As a nurse, I would teach my patient how to best take care of his/her body, as well as advise
him/her to comply with the treatment regimen in order to maintain good health, maintain sound
mind and body, and also maintain the patient’s dignity.

6. As far as the “Principle of Inviolability of Life” is concerned, what can you advice a friend
who is contemplating to commit suicide? 5pts
“My friend, life is full of challenges, and sometimes it’s really hard to move forward and continue
living. But do note that life has its phases. It has its ups and downs. This means that whatever
challenge you are in now is going to pass. Life is full of choices. It may not seem like it right
now, but if you take the one choice that you have right now, which is to take your life, it will be
the end. No more opportunities to experience the other side of suffering. Always remember that
I will always be here to listen to your problems. Life has always been a test given by God
himself to make us strong. Do not take it the wrong way. After your suffering, God will show you
the good things in life. Have trust in God’s plan”

7. Under the “Principle of Sexuality and Procreation” what can you say about those who
engage in same sex marriage?5pts
Although same sex marriage clearly violates the first of the twofold purposes of sexual union of
the Principle of Sexuality and Procreation, preventing it and being against it violates the second
natural inclination which tells us that “any act of injustice: subjecting others to indignities,
degradations and inhumanities is against human nature”.
This situation falls into the Double Effect Principle, where same sex marriage promotes
expression of loving union and companionship but at the same time violation the procreation
and nurturing of children. Relating to the Principles of Resolution of the Conflict, the intention or
action is good in itself, but it has both a good and bad effect. Thus, it can be permitted to occur
because it has no significant negative effect to others, and due to the modern change in nature
of sexuality and gender.