J. H.

CERILLES STATE COLLEGE - CANUTO MS ENERIO CAMPUS

Poblacion Lake Wood, Zamboanga del Sur

SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course, GEC 301 (Ethics)

INDIVIDUAL WRITTEN REFLECTION REPORT

Presented to:

EVELYN ROMISCAL CATHAG, MAED., MED., GDPED

Professor

Submitted by:

MERAFLOR R. TORMES
BSED 3 Student

2nd Semester School Year 2023-2024

 Understanding Human Acts, Acts of Man, and the Three Elements of Human Act

Introduction

Have you ever stopped to think about the countless actions you take every day?
From brushing our teeth in the morning to choosing what to eat for lunch, we constantly
make decisions, big and small. But not all our actions are created equal. This paper
delves into the distinction between human acts and acts of man, highlighting the three
crucial elements that define a truly human act: knowledge, freedom, and voluntariness.
Understanding these elements allows us to grasp the moral implications of our choices
and navigate the complexities of human behavior.

In our daily lives, we often engage in various actions and behaviors, some of
which we do consciously and intentionally, while others happen automatically without
much thought. These actions can be categorized into two main groups: human acts and
acts of man.

Human acts play a central role in ethics as they form the foundation for moral
responsibility, accountability, and ethical decision-making. The significance of human
acts in ethics lies in their ability to reflect the moral character and intentions of
individuals. Unlike mere physical actions or behaviors, human acts are deliberate,
intentional actions that are guided by knowledge, freedom, and voluntariness. By
examining human acts, ethicists and philosophers can assess the ethical implications of
individual actions, intentions, and choices.

Understanding human acts allows us to evaluate the morality of behaviors,

discern right from wrong, and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Moreover,
the study of human acts helps us explore the complexities of human behavior, the
influence of personal values and beliefs on decision-making, and the ethical principles
that guide our actions.

By delving into the significance of human acts in ethics, we gain insights into the
moral dimensions of human conduct, the importance of ethical reflection, and the
implications of our choices on ourselves and others in society. Ultimately, the study of
human acts in ethics serves as a cornerstone for ethical inquiry, moral development,
and the cultivation of virtuous behavior in individuals and communities.

On the other hand, Act of Man refers to actions that are instinctual, automatic, or
driven by external factors without conscious deliberation or moral intent. Act of Man
holds significance as it distinguishes between mere physical actions and morally
significant behaviors. The Act of Man refers to actions that are instinctual, automatic, or
driven by external factors without conscious deliberation or moral intent.

Understanding the Act of Man is crucial in ethics as it allows us to differentiate

between actions that are morally neutral and those that involve ethical considerations.
While the Act of Man may involve behaviors that are necessary for survival or habitual
responses, they lack the intentional and voluntary aspect that characterizes human
acts. By recognizing the distinction between the Act of Man and human acts, ethicists
can analyze the moral agency, responsibility, and accountability of individuals in ethical
decision-making. The Act of Man serves as a reminder that not all actions are morally
significant, and that ethical evaluation requires a deeper understanding of intentionality,
consciousness, and the moral implications of human behavior.

By understanding the true nature of human acts and acts of man, we are able to
cultivate a deeper sense of moral responsibility. We become aware of the choices we
make freely and with knowledge, and the potential consequences they hold. This
empowers us to navigate complex situations with greater clarity, as we can assess the
level of freedom and knowledge involved. Ultimately, this understanding fosters a more
compassionate and just society. By recognizing situations where individuals lack full
control over their actions, we can cultivate empathy. This, in conjunction with the
responsibility associated with human acts, motivates us to create a world that balances
justice with compassion.

Furthermore, human acts are instrumental in personal growth, offering

opportunities for learning, self-improvement, and self-discovery. Reflecting on our
actions and making ethical choices through human acts pave the way for continuous
growth and development. Ultimately, by aligning our actions with our values and
aspirations, we cultivate a sense of fulfillment, harmony, and well-being that
encompasses all aspects of our being.
The Meaning of Human Act

The concepts of human act and act of man are fundamental ideas in moral
philosophy and ethics. These concepts have been discussed and debated by
philosophers, theologians, and scholars for centuries. Understanding the distinctions
between these two concepts is crucial in determining how we understand human
behavior and moral responsibility.

The concept of human act refers to actions that are intentionally chosen by a
person, with full knowledge and understanding of the consequences of their actions. In
other words, a human act is a deliberate and conscious choice made by an individual
that is based on their moral beliefs, values, and intentions. These actions are under the
control and responsibility of the person performing them, and are seen as a reflection of
their character, intentions, and moral agency. These actions are a reflection of our
values, beliefs, and moral reasoning, and they play a crucial role in shaping our
character and identity. Examples of human acts include helping a friend in need, telling
the truth even when it is difficult, or volunteering to serve the community. These actions
are considered morally significant because they are intentional and involve a conscious
decision on our part.

On the other hand, the concept of act of man refers to actions that are performed
by human beings without full awareness, consciousness, or intentionality. These actions
are often seen as instinctual, impulsive, or driven by external influences, such as
emotions, habits, or societal pressures. Acts of man are less morally significant or
blameworthy than human acts, as they are often seen as beyond the control or
responsibility of the individual performing them. These actions are often driven by
biological processes, reflexes, or external stimuli, rather than by intentional choice.
Examples of acts of man include sneezing, blinking, or sweating in response to heat.
While acts of man are essential for our survival and functioning as human beings, they
do not carry the same moral weight as human acts because they lack the conscious
intention and moral agency that characterize human acts.

The distinction between human act and act of man has important implications for
how we understand moral responsibility, moral agency, and ethical decision-making. By
differentiating between these two types of actions, we can better determine how and to
what extent individuals are responsible for their behavior, and how we should evaluate
their actions from a moral standpoint.

In ancient Greek philosophy, the distinction between human act and act of man
can be found in the works of Aristotle, who argued that human beings possess a unique
capacity for rational thought and moral decision-making. Aristotle believed that human
actions are guided by reason and intention, and that individuals have the ability to
choose their actions based on their own understanding of what is good and virtuous.

Medieval theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas further developed the

concepts of human act and act of man within the framework of Christian ethics and
natural law theory. Aquinas argued that human acts are those actions that are
performed in accordance with the natural law and divine commandments, while acts of
man are those actions that are performed without moral awareness or deliberation.

In modern philosophy, the concepts of human act and act of man have been
explored by thinkers such as Immanuel Kant, who emphasized the importance of moral
autonomy and rational agency in ethical decision-making. Kant argued that human
actions are only morally significant if they are based on rational principles and a sense
of duty, rather than on instinct or external influences.

Contemporary ethical theories, such as consequentialism, virtue ethics, and

feminist ethics, have also engaged with the concepts of human act and act of man in
their analyses of moral behavior and ethical responsibility. These theories offer new
perspectives on the nature of human agency and moral decision-making, and challenge
traditional assumptions about the relationship between intentionality, responsibility, and
moral value.

The concepts of human act and act of man have a long and complex history in
philosophical and ethical thought. These concepts have been shaped by a variety of
intellectual traditions and cultural contexts and have been subject to ongoing debate
and interpretation by scholars and thinkers throughout history.

One of the key philosophical implications of the concepts of human act and act of
man is the question of free will and determinism. The distinction between these two
types of actions suggests that some actions are performed with full awareness and
intentionality, while others are performed without conscious control or deliberation. This
raises questions about whether individuals have the freedom to choose their actions, or
whether their behavior is determined by external factors or predetermined causes. It
also raises questions about the role of moral responsibility in ethical decision-making. If
some actions are considered to be beyond the control or responsibility of the individual
performing them, then how can we hold individuals accountable for their behavior? This
raises ethical dilemmas about how we should assign blame or praise to individuals for
their actions, and

When we engage in human acts, three key elements come into play: knowledge,
freedom, and voluntariness. These elements help us evaluate the morality of our
actions and understand the motives behind them. By examining these elements, we can
make more informed and ethical choices that align with our values and principles.

Along with it, human acts have three important elements. One of those is
knowledge, a key component of human acts, it encompasses an individual's
understanding of the nature of their actions and the potential consequences that may
result from them. This includes not only knowing what one is doing, but also having
awareness of the moral implications and ethical considerations associated with their
choices. Knowledge plays a critical role in the formation of human acts, as it enables
individuals to make thoughtful, informed decisions based on a clear understanding of
the circumstances at hand.

Freedom is another essential element of human acts, pertaining to the capacity

of individuals to make choices autonomously, without being unduly influenced or
coerced by external forces. Human acts are distinguished by the exercise of free will,
where individuals have the freedom to decide how to act in each situation. This freedom
empowers individuals to take ownership of their choices and actions, accepting moral
responsibility for the consequences that follow.

Voluntariness, the third pillar of human acts, underscores the voluntary nature of
individual actions. Voluntariness refers to the deliberate and intentional nature of an act,
where it is a product of the individual's own will and desire. Voluntary actions are
distinguished by the absence of coercion or external pressure, reflecting a genuine and
conscious decision made by the individual. This element is pivotal in determining the
moral culpability of individuals, as it demonstrates their conscious engagement in the
decision-making process.

Collectively, knowledge, freedom, and voluntariness serve as foundational

principles that define human acts as deliberate, intentional, and morally significant
actions. By upholding these principles, individuals are able to make choices that reflect
their values, beliefs, and ethical commitments, thereby shaping their character and
moral identity. Embracing these principles fosters a sense of autonomy, responsibility,
and integrity in human conduct, encouraging individuals to act in accordance with their
conscience and values.
Conclusion

The topic of Human Act and Act of Man offers valuable moral lessons that can
guide individuals in ethical decision-making and personal growth.

First, doing it intentionally and by responsibility. The distinction between Human

Act and Act of Man highlights the importance of intentionality in moral actions. Human
acts, characterized by conscious choice and moral intent, underscore the responsibility
individuals have for their decisions and their consequences. This teaches us to be
mindful of our intentions, to consider the ethical implications of our actions, and to take
responsibility for the outcomes of our choices.

Another one is we become conscious of decision-making. Understanding the

difference between automatic behaviors (Act of Man) and deliberate actions (Human
Act) emphasizes the significance of conscious decision-making in ethical conduct. It
reminds us to pause, reflect, and consider the moral dimensions of our choices, rather
than acting impulsively or habitually. This lesson encourages us to be intentional in our
actions, to align our behavior with ethical principles, and to strive for moral excellence
through thoughtful decision-making.

And it teaches us to have an ethical awareness and to reflect. Human Act and
Act of Man prompt us to cultivate ethical awareness and engage in self-reflection. By
discerning between actions driven by instinct and those guided by moral reasoning, we
learn the importance of introspection, moral introspection, and self-awareness in
navigating ethical dilemmas. This encourages us to examine our motives, values, and
beliefs, and to make choices that align with our ethical principles and values.

Ultimately, the moral lessons from Human Act and Act of Man emphasize the
journey towards personal growth and the cultivation of virtuous behavior. By recognizing
the role of intentionality, consciousness, and moral responsibility in our actions, we can
strive to develop virtues such as integrity, compassion, and ethical decision-making.

These concepts inspire us to lead a life guided by moral principles, to contribute

positively to society, and to uphold ethical values in all aspects of our lives. By knowing
it, it underscores the importance of intentionality, conscious decision-making, ethical
awareness, and personal growth in shaping our moral character and behavior. By
internalizing these lessons, individuals can enhance their ethical reasoning, make
informed choices, and cultivate virtues that contribute to a more ethical and fulfilling life.
 In the pursuit of our dreams and daily endeavors, the moral lessons derived from
Human Act and Act of Man serve as fundamental guiding principles that shape our
decision-making process and ethical conduct. Firstly, understanding the significance of
intentionality and responsibility empowers us to align our actions with our aspirations
and values. By being intentional in our choices, we ensure that our decisions are
purposeful and reflective of our long-term goals. This awareness encourages us to take
ownership of our actions, recognize the consequences of our choices, and hold
ourselves accountable for the outcomes we aim to achieve.

Secondly, emphasizing conscious decision-making and ethical awareness equips

us with the tools to navigate challenges and opportunities with clarity and integrity. By
reflecting on the ethical implications of our decisions, we can make choices that are
aligned with our moral compass and contribute positively to our personal growth and
well-being. This practice of ethical reflection enables us to approach dilemmas and
opportunities with a heightened sense of awareness, ensuring that our actions are in
line with our values and ethical standards. It fosters a culture of integrity and ethical
behavior in our daily interactions and endeavors, promoting a sense of authenticity and
purpose in our pursuits.

Lastly, focusing on personal growth and virtue allows us to cultivate essential

qualities such as resilience, empathy, and perseverance that are vital for overcoming
obstacles and realizing our dreams. By nurturing these virtues in our daily lives, we
develop the strength and character needed to navigate challenges, setbacks, and
uncertainties with grace and determination. This commitment to personal growth and
virtue not only enhances our individual well-being but also enables us to positively
impact the lives of those around us.

Human acts have a profound impact on our entire being, influencing our
character, emotions, relationships, personal growth, and overall well-being. The
decisions we make through human acts shape our moral character, defining our values
and integrity. Engaging in virtuous actions fosters qualities like compassion and
honesty, contributing to the development of a strong and resilient character. Our
emotional well-being is also influenced by our human acts, as positive choices aligned
with our values bring fulfillment and happiness, while unethical behaviors can lead to
inner conflict and regret. Human acts play a crucial role in our relationships, shaping the
quality of our interactions and connections with others. By practicing empathy and
kindness, we nurture healthy relationships built on trust and respect.
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