Patrick Probst
Theology 300-Mr. Sciuto
February 28, 2007
Morality

1) In Fr. Knapp’s article, he discussed conscience as being both a power and a process. Fr. Knapp says our conscience, as a power, is the place within us where God dwells. He continues to say that it is our most sacred center, or pure self. According to Fr. Knapp, if we deny or violate our conscience then we are acting against ourselves. The article states that the conscience is where our freedom truly resides. Our conscience as a power of reason is the ability to decipher what is true and necessary to live and to conform our actions with those principles.

This article not only defines conscience as a “power of reason” but as a process of sorting through a decision. It is uniquely human to make the choice to do what is right, therefore, our conscience defines as human beings. Fr. Knapp recommends that we all form our conscience using the Divine Revelation, scripture, and Tradition as inspiration.

The ideas of Fr. Knapp find a solid foundation in the Catholic Catechism. The Catechism also presents many of its own ideas. It suggests that when we listen to our conscience, if it is well formed, than we will be hearing the voice and will of God. This so happens because God created us in his image and likeness as it says in the Bible. It also provides the idea that interiority, uprightness, and responsibility are needed for our conscience. This means that we need to listen to our educated conscience, discern using reasons, goods, and judgment, and to be responsible for our actions. Three rules are also given for moral decision making, we cant do evil even if good will result from it, we must follow the Golden Rule, and charity always proceeds by way of respect for one’s neighbor. The Catechism indicates that we must avoid erroneous judgments and invincible ignorance.


2) Hamlet facing his father’s death using the “LISTEN” method.

L. Hamlet discovers the facts about his father’s death early on in the play. He learns that Claudius, his uncle, killed his father by poisoning him while he was asleep. Hamlet also discovers how Claudius is now sleeping with Gertrude, his mother, whom Claudius has wed. Hamlet finds out that Claudius longed for the throne of Denmark, because he wanted power, authority, wealth and Gertrude.

I. Hamlet’s ultimate dilemma is whether to kill Claudius or not. Hamlet imagines the possibilities of his actions throughout the entire play. He wants to avenge his father and kill Claudius; however, he doesn’t want to have the guilt of death on his soul. Hamlet imagines committing suicide and ending the struggle that he is having with this decision. Hamlet even avoids Claudius in order to ensure that when he dies he will go to hell. Hamlet wants to ensure that Claudius is guilty of the death before he takes any action against him. The last option is the possibility that Hamlet decides on.

S. Hamlet decides to seek insight beyond his own. He first consults with the ghost of his father to get advice on his actions. His father tells him to kill Claudius. There are multiple instances where Hamlet consults with Horatio, his friend, about what path he should take. Hamlet even takes the advice that people who watch a play and react to it have a certain connection to it. Hamlet organizes a play, which is similar to the death of his father, to trap the King and observe him.

T. Hamlet always turns inward. He routinely looks upon himself and has many soliloquies during the course of the play. He often reflects upon his actions and the consequences of each option. He contemplates hell and death, himself as King in place of Claudius, and the eventual corruption of Denmark if Claudius remains on the throne. Hamlet is an educated man and very witty. He is able to see through the masks of other characters and he reflects on their loyalties and who he can trust to help him.

E. Hamlet often longs for God’s help because he feels that his task is overwhelming and is almost impossible to accomplish alone. He wishes and even prays for god’s help but I don’t think that he actually expects God to help him. Towards the end of the play he does what he feels is the best thing and is justified, but he is so somber, gracious, and has the tone that he knows he won’t succeed, that I feel he didn’t expect God’s help.

N. In the last scene of the play hamlet names his ultimate decision about the moral dilemma that drives the plot of the play. He vows to make his thoughts and actions bloody and he even says that he is ready to “let be” whatever consequences are to come of his actions. He decides to duel Laertes and find the opportune moment to kill Claudius.

Hamlet uses the LISTEN method to solving his moral dilemma but due to his lack of faith in God’s presence he was doomed to be a tragic figure.