3.1. Lack, freedom and the good In the Aristotelian and Thomistic tradition the good is what corresponds to the essence of the entity. The good is what every entity consciously or unconsciously strives at as a goal, that corresponds to the nature and at the same time to the essence of the entity (Plėšnys 2016: 52).
Lack is part of the reality of being and of human nature; therefore, accepting it paves the way for moral choices. Actions are characterized not only by economization. Moral criteria are always involved in the process of choosing. In light of lack, we can take a fresh When lack is ignored or denied, new look at the necessity of or when an illusion is created morality: Moral norms help that scarcity does not exist, this distinguish good from evil and leads to moral confusion. to make proper choices. When lack is ignored or denied, or when an illusion is created that scarcity does not exist, this leads to moral confusion. For example, if under the pressure of scarcity someone takes a job and experiences it as a suffering or coercion, they may feel trapped in wrongdoing, as if energy and time could have been used for a more noble cause. Or when someone tries to save the world from any suffering or deficiency, they feel morally superior, but their aim is an illusion in light of the order of being. A proper understanding of lack and scarcity sustains moral behavior and helps to make sound choices. Morality is not possible where there is no freedom, as in nature where processes are determined by physical laws. In the human world, people make decisions. They exercise freedom in action (as they respond to scarcity) and assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions. People cannot be held responsible for involuntary actions. For example, a person cannot stop aging or fully prevent diseases. Responsibility goes with freedom and promotes proper choices and
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