Bonam quippe intentionem, hoc est, rectam in se dicimus, operationem vero non quod boni aliquid in se suscipiat, sed quod ex bona intentione procedat. Unde et ab eodem homine cum in diversis temporibus idem fiat, pro diversitate tamen intentione eius operatio modo bono modo mala dicitur.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Good intention defines good action; the same act is good or bad depending on intent.
- In plain terms
- Actions are judged by the intention behind them, not just the act itself.
- What can you take from it?
- Intention determines whether an action is good or bad.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can a good intention justify a harmful outcome?
Another view
Outcomes sometimes matter more than intentions in ethical evaluation.
More from Peter Abelard
Prima sapientiae clavis definitur, assidua scilicet seu frequens interrogation : Dubitando enim ad inquisitionem venimus; inquirendo veritatem percipimus.
Permalink to quote #1 O quanta qualia sunt illa sabbata, quae semper celebrat superna curia.
Permalink to quote #3 The purpose and cause of the incarnation was that He might illuminate the world by His wisdom and excite it to the love of Himself.
Permalink to quote #4
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