[HPforGrownups] Epilogue (was Re: Ron and Parseltongue)

[Lynda Cordova]

No: HPFGUIDX 183453

CJ:
Perhaps one might draw a parallel with traditional moral philosophy. In
the Middle Ages, it was widely held that three criteria had to be met
for an act to be considered gravely evil: grave matter, full knowledge
and full consent. The second two first.

Full knowledge meant the actor had to be fully aware of and fully intend
the evil. When Harry cast Sectumsempra, even though he freely chose to
cast it (full consent; see below) he was unaware of what the spell did.
We might argue that Harry had a moral responsibility to inform himself
before casting unknown spells around, but we don't hold him guilty to
the same degree as someone who fully understood the nature of the spell.

Full consent means I must fully and freely choose to commit the act. If
Harry, even fully aware of the nature and result of the Sectumsempra,
casts it because a DE is threatening to AK Hermione, then he is not a
free moral agent. He is being compelled. In this case we may choose to
partially or even fully exonerate him. But if, being fully aware of the
nature of Sectumsempra, Harry freely chooses to use it without external
compulsion, then he is acting freely and is fully responsible for the
moral evil he causes.
Grave matter means the act itself must be intrinsically evil. I might be
fully and unwaveringly convinced that Expelliarmus is the most evil
spell ever invented, and on the basis of that belief run around
Expelliarmusing every wizard I run across, but my belief and intent
alone won't earn me a life sentence in Azkhaban.

Lynda:

I think the parallel is a good one and eloquently explained by you. And I
agree with your points.


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