STUDY GUIDE FOR READING ASSIGNMENT 5

J. Clark Murray, Handbook of Christian Ethics, Part 2

Review Questions:

PART 2

Chapter 1

1. What does the author mean by the "subjective" aspect of virtue?

2. How does the author define "self-love"?

3. Describe the main postulates of each school of thought: a. Hedonism b. Eudemonism c. Makarism

4. Does the author teach that, properly understood, egoism and altruism are not in conflict?

Chapter 2

1. What philosopher taught that man is by nature innocent, and that his natural instincts would always preserve him uncorrupted if they were never thwarted by the corrupting influences of society?

2. According to the author, what group tended to have the gloomiest and darkest view of man's sinful nature?

3. Does the author believe that the theory that man is morally innocent and the theory that man is morally corrupt are mutually exclusive?  

Chapter 3

1. The author states that "the first awakening of earnest thought on personal religion is commonly associated with an awakening to the fact of personal _____."

2. According to the author, what is the first step of moral reform?

3. The author reminds us that the anguish and remorse for sin is counterbalanced by the joy and peace of ______.

Chapter 4

1. The author says, "Character, as we have seen already, is, in the language of Novalis, a completely formed will ; and a completely formed will is a will which has been trained into those uniform modes of action which are called ______."

2. The author states, "At the very foundation of all human excellence lies a condition which is indispensable because it forms an integral part of human nature. This is ___________."

3. The author asserts that "moral life naturally assumes the appearance of a ______."

4. According to the author, "all virtue is thus directly or indirectly a control of _______."

5. What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?