The determinants of morality are the key factors that moralists use to evaluate the moral quality of a human act. Based on philosophical traditions, these factors provide a framework for understanding whether an action is considered morally good or bad.
According to moralists, the morality of a human act is largely defined by three main factors: the Object of the act, the Circumstances surrounding the act, and the End or Intention that the one performing the act has in mind.
These three determinants work together to give a complete picture of the moral dimension of an action. An act is generally considered good only if all three determinants are good.
Understanding the Three Determinants
Let's explore each determinant in more detail.
1. The Object of the Act
The Object of the act refers to what is actually done. It is the nature of the action itself, considered in its most basic form, regardless of intent or circumstances.
- Definition: The inherent moral quality of the act. Some actions are considered intrinsically good (like helping someone in need) or intrinsically bad (like murder or theft).
- Example: The object of the act of "stealing" is taking something that belongs to another against their will. This act, by its nature, is considered morally wrong.
- Significance: The object is often seen as the primary determinant. A good intention or favorable circumstances cannot make an intrinsically evil act good.
2. The Circumstances Surrounding the Act
Circumstances are the conditions or factors that surround the act being performed. They can increase or decrease the goodness or badness of an action, but they cannot change the moral nature of the act itself (unless the circumstance transforms the very nature of the act).
- Definition: Who, what, where, when, how, and by what means the act is performed.
- Examples:
- Who: Is the person stealing from a wealthy corporation or a poor widow? (Stealing is still wrong, but the severity or guilt might differ).
- When: Was the aid given during a natural disaster or during peacetime?
- How: Was the truth told gently or cruelly?
- Significance: Circumstances can mitigate guilt or aggravate the offense. They provide context but don't usually change an evil object into a good one.
3. The End or Intention
The End or Intention refers to why the act is performed. It is the motive or purpose behind the agent's action.
- Definition: The subjective goal or aim of the person performing the act.
- Example: Giving money to charity.
- Good Intention: To help the needy.
- Bad Intention: To receive public praise or for tax benefits.
- Significance: A good intention can make a good act even better, but a bad intention can make a good act less meritorious or even bad. Importantly, a good intention cannot justify an act that is evil by its object (e.g., stealing to give to the poor – the stealing is still wrong).
Summary Table: Determinants of Morality
| Determinant | What It Asks | Focus | Influence on Morality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Object | What is done? | The Act Itself | Primary factor; determines the inherent nature of the act. |
| Circumstances | Where, when, who, how? | Context | Can increase/decrease goodness or badness; provide context. |
| Intention (End) | Why is it done? | The Agent's Aim | Can make a good act better or a good act less good/bad. |
Understanding these three determinants provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the moral quality of any human action, considering not just the act itself, but also the context and the motive behind it.
