§ 3. On the Method of Moral Theology

5. By method here is understood the form which the treatment of moral theology assumes, or the mode which the theologian follows in treating moral matters.

Now a threefold method is given: the first is called positive, the second speculative or scholastic, the third casuistic.

It is called positive when the dogmas of morals are proved and confirmed from the proper sources of theology, and are set forth in right order. It is called speculative, or scholastic, when the dogmas of morals are taken from positive theology as already proved, so that they may be illustrated by the principles of philosophy and their intimate connections and internal reasons may be declared. Finally, it is called casuistic when the general principles of morals are applied to particular cases accustomed to occur in life, and practical questions, according to general principles, are duly discussed and resolved. Cf. Muller, Theol. mor., Introduction, 27.

That there is in each method its own proper and special excellence is sufficiently known from the definitions set forth. From this it follows that the treatment of moral theology is to be judged the more excellent, the more perfect and universal a mixture of that threefold method is found in it. For the use of this kind of mixed method effects this: that "the dogmas of morals," as the distinguished Ernest Muller says in the place cited, "are rightly set forth, suitably proved and illustrated, solidly fortified against opponents, and also particularly unfolded and explained for practical uses." And hence it is why the writers of moral theology today generally follow this method mixed in a threefold kind. This same method we also shall try to follow in the treatment of our whole work indeed, but especially in the first part, which we shall entitle: On the first principles of moral theology. For thus a solid foundation of the whole moral matter will be laid. Then in the remaining parts, we judge that we must use especially the casuistic method, yet with the positive and speculative method by no means neglected.