What We Ought ToDo

In chapter 2 of Contemporary Catholic Health Care Ethics, Kelly states that \”Catholic moral theology has traditionally argued that ethics (what we ought to do) must be based on anthropology (who we are)\” (p. 11). Who are we according to Kelly\’s Christian anthropology, and why is his description of \”human dignity,\” found in chapter 3, so crucial to his understanding of \”who we are?\” Moreover, what are the implications of this anthropology for health care (see chapter 4)? In preparing your response, also include the insights you have gained from reading National Catholic Bioethics Center, \”Moral Teaching Serves the Human Person\”

SAMPLE SOLUTION

The catholic church has made significant contribution on issues of ethics and morality. According to the church, moral theology identifies and elucidates principles which determines the quality of human behavior especially in the face of Christian revelation. The moral theology contends that what people ought to do has to be based on who they are as defined by Kelly’s Christian thinking.
According to Kelly’s Christian anthropology, we are all a people defined by innate human values and acts of humanity. Our human dignity should be based on our inborne character of treating each other fairly and use the God-given abilities to benefit those around us. Furthermore, the nature of humanity is such that we are driven by what God has instilled in us especially the power to bring change and positively influence society….