Ethics: Morality from Nature
Join us for a study on Thomistic ethics beginning on January 15, 2026 at 6:30 pm. This weekly course will look at ethics, and how aligning human action with natural law through reason can help us reach our end: eternal happiness with God.
Class Details
Location: Padre Pio Academy
Day & Time: Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Start Date: January 15, 2026
All Classes will be recorded for those who are not able to attend.
Course Fee: $50 - please pay at the link below or bring a check to the first day of class.
Text: Man as Man: The Science and Art of Ethics by Rev. Edward J. Higgins
Reading: Encouraged but not required
A snack and wine will be provided at each class
Class Topics:
Week 1 (Sept. 11) – The Nature of Ethics
What ethics studies and why it matters
Ethics as both a science and an art
How human nature grounds moral reasoning
The role of reason in moral judgment
Week 2 – The Human Act
What qualifies as a “human act”
Knowledge, intention, and freedom
Voluntary vs. involuntary actions
Foundations of moral responsibility
Week 3 – The End of Man
The concept of the “final end”
The universal desire for happiness
Apparent goods vs. true goods
Why only one ultimate end fulfills human nature
Week 4 – Human Freedom
The nature of free will
Internal and external obstacles to freedom
How habits, fear, and passion influence choice
Freedom ordered toward the good
Week 5 – The Morality of Human Acts
The three sources of morality: object, end, circumstances
Why intention alone cannot justify an act
How circumstances affect moral evaluation
The structure of moral judgment
Week 6 – Passions and Their Moral Value
The nature of the passions (emotions)
How emotions arise and influence behavior
Antecedent vs. consequent passions
The role of reason in guiding emotions
Week 7 – Habits and Virtues
How habits are formed
Virtues vs. vices
The four cardinal virtues
How virtue strengthens freedom and character
Week 8 – Conscience
What conscience is (a judgment of reason)
True, false, certain, and doubtful conscience
The obligation to form one’s conscience
How conscience applies moral principles
Week 9 – Law
Eternal, natural, divine, and human law
How law guides human action
What makes a law just or unjust
The universality of natural law
Week 10 – Moral Obligation & Course Review
The nature of moral obligation
Duty, responsibility, and the binding force of law
How moral principles apply to real life
Review and synthesis of the course
Submit Payment
Please submit payment online here and add a note that this is for the adult class. If you or someone you know would like to sponsor the costs of these classes so that we can decrease the price or eliminate it all together, please contact us. Please consider supporting our mission at Padre Pio Academy with a donation.