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G E C 7

ETHICS
F S 2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4

L A A R N I B A N D O Y
COURSE INSTRUCTOR
 STUDY GUIDE FOR LEARNING UNIT II

HUMAN ACTS AND ACTS OF MAN

Prepared by: Laarni Lee V. Bandoy

Overview

From our earliest experience as children, we have been socialized to discern right
from wrong. In this learning unit, you will be taught to the differences between
human acts and acts of man, and acknowledging the crucial role that human
agency plays in ethics and morality.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

By the end of Unit 1, you should be able to:

1. Discuss what human acts and acts of man are;
2. Differentiate human acts from acts of man; and
3. Discuss the relationship between these types of acts and ethics.

Topics

1. Human Acts
a. Concept of Human Acts
b. Classification of Human Acts
c. Elements of Human Acts
2. Acts of Man
a. Concept of Acts of Man
b. Characteristics of Acts of Man

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 Key Learning Resources

Finnis, J. (2011). Human Acts. In Intention and Identity: Collected Essays: Vol. II (pp. 133–
151). Oxford University Press eBooks.
https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580064.003.0009

Makoba, M. (2021, May 3). Impacts of Human Acts and Acts of Man in the Society.
Mwalimu wa Walimu na Wanafunzi.
https://www.mwalimumakoba.co.tz/2021/04/impacts-of-human-acts-and-acts-
of-man.html

1. Human Acts

Concept of Human Acts:

Human acts refer to intentional actions or behaviors carried out by individuals that
are driven by their free will and conscious choices.

Human acts are distinguished by the presence of volition and consciousness,

meaning that individuals are aware of their actions and willingly choose to perform
them.

Classification of Human Acts:

Human acts can be classified into various categories based on different criteria.
Some common classifications include:

Moral Acts: actions that have a moral dimension and can be evaluated as
morally right or wrong, such as lying, stealing, or helping others.
Non-moral Acts: actions that do not have a direct moral implication, like
brushing one's teeth, walking, or tying shoelaces.
Good Acts and Bad Acts: Human acts can be classified as morally good or
morally bad based on the ethical or moral framework being considered.
Internal Acts and External Acts:
Internal: occurs within the mind and may not manifest externally
External: observable behaviors.
Positive Acts and Negative Acts:
Positive acts: doing something
Negative acts: involve refraining from doing something

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 Elements of Human Acts
Knowledge:
Human acts require a level of knowledge or awareness about what one is
doing. This knowledge can pertain to the consequences, moral implications,
and context of the action.
Freedom:
Human acts are characterized by the element of freedom, meaning that
individuals have the capacity to choose whether to engage in the action or
not. They are not coerced or forced into the action.
Intention:
Intent or intention is a crucial element of human acts. It involves the
purpose or motive behind the action, which can influence the moral
evaluation of the act.
Will:
The will is the faculty that enables individuals to make choices and decisions.
In human acts, the will is responsible for the voluntary nature of the action.
Responsibility:
Human acts are tied to the idea of moral responsibility. Individuals are held
accountable for their actions, especially when they are aware of the
consequences and have the freedom to choose.

These elements and classifications help us understand the nature of human acts,
their moral implications, and the role of human agency in decision-making and
behavior.

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 2. Acts of Man

Acts of Man, often contrasted with "Human Acts," refer to actions or behaviors
that are driven by instinct, reflex, or external factors rather than conscious choice
and deliberate will. These actions are typically involuntary and automatic, lacking
the element of moral responsibility. Acts of Man are often associated with natural,
biological, or physiological processes.

Characteristics of Acts of Man

Involuntary:
Acts of Man are typically beyond an individual's control and occur
automatically in response to external stimuli or internal physiological
processes. These actions are not the result of a conscious decision or
choice.
Lack of Moral Responsibility:
Since Acts of Man are not driven by conscious intent or free will, individuals
are not morally responsible for these actions. They are not evaluated in
ethical or moral terms.
Reflexive and Instinctual:
Many Acts of Man are reflexive and instinctual in nature. For example, when
someone touches a hot surface, the immediate withdrawal of their hand is
an instinctual act of self-preservation.
Biological and Physiological:
Acts of Man often pertain to bodily functions and physiological responses,
such as heartbeat, digestion, breathing, and other automatic bodily
processes.
Absence of Intent:
Unlike human acts, which involve intention and purpose, Acts of Man occur
without any conscious intention. These actions lack a deliberate aim or goal

Common Examples of Acts of Man: sneezing, blinking, shivering, and reflex actions
like the knee-jerk reflex when tapped on the knee by a doctor.

It's important to note that the concept of Acts of Man is often

used in ethical and philosophical discussions to distinguish them
from human acts, which are characterized by conscious choice,
intention, and moral responsibility.

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