Natural Law - the purpose of natural law

Question 1

what did Aristotle believe our ultimate goal was

Answer 1

eudaemonia

Question 2

how could one reach perfection according to Aristotle

Answer 2

• he believed people have a specific nature, purpose and function
• believed every object could reach perfection if they did exactly what they were intended to do

Question 3

what are the 2 purposes trying to be achieved through natural law

Answer 3

1. to explain what the end purpose is for humanity

2. to illustrate the way in which gods end purpose for humanity may be achieved

Question 4

what did aquinas believe the ultimate end purpose for humanity is

Answer 4

to gain eternal life with god in heaven. this entails re-establishing a right relationship with god, because it had been broken down by Adam and eve

Question 5

what was humanity’s highest good according to aquinas

Answer 5

to become more like god.

Question 6

“natural law is the same for all men…”

Answer 6

“there is a single standard of truth for everyone.”

Aquinas

Question 7

what is the purpose of natural law as a guide

Answer 7

acts as a guide to help all moral agents to develop closely into the image of god. if they can do this then they have achieved the highest good

Question 8

an important note aquinas adds regarding reflecting gods image

Answer 8

aquinas argued it was impossible for humanity to perfectly reflect the image of god, but it was our purpose to move as near as possible