2D- Finnis' NL Flashcards
(14 cards)
Explain Finnis with correlation to Aristotle
Focuses on ingredients of a flourishing life- discussed by Aristotle
-its basis in flourishment (eudaimonia), practical reasoning (phronesis) and role of phronimos (right minded person)
Different focus than Aquinas in which purpose of life is to flourish- closer to Aristotle’s eudaimonia than Aquinas’ beatific vision
Who did Finnis develop his theory from
He developed from Plato, Aristotle and Aquinas
Give an intro to Finnis
Considers how practical reason can coordinate all actions so individual plans for a great life don’t conflict
Sees NL as an eternal and objective set of practical principles- true regardless of opinion
Finnis not only concerned with personal morality- principles of NL also apply to wider society eg politics
Explain the 7 basic goods (what are they?)
Give context and direction to reasoning
Rejects primary precepts
Not goals to achieve but are to be participated in through actions- Never complete- take shape overtime
Basic goods aren’t as restrictive as laws/rules as instead are a framework
Are self-evident- based on the natural laws of the universe
Give the 7 basic goods with explanation
SPARKLP
S-sociability (friendship)- live alongside other peacefully- acting for friend rather than using them as an instrument
P-practical reasonableness - using one’s own intelligence to shape own character- active not passive- vital part to turn goods to practicality
A-aesthetic experience- often found in persons creative work or beauty of nature
R-religion- more than falling in line with teachings- attempt to make sense of world with big questions eg human freedom- even atheists must grapple with this
K-knowledge- distinction between speculative knowledge and instrumental knowledge- speculative knowledge to Finnis- is intrinsically good- pursued eg philosophy
L-life- enables a human to make decisions about own existence freely
P-play- performance of actions for own sake and enjoyment
What do the basic good not have
No hierarchy of goods
Explain his 2 types of reasoning
Reasoning
Theoretical
Workings of the world
Cannot prove basic goods
To use this reasoning have to be intelligent and well informed
Is statements
Practical
Determine what ‘ought’ to be done
To use should be intelligent, experience
Ought statements
What is Finnis’ Nl link to Hume
-not open to naturalistic fallacy
Finnis states NL not challenged by Hume’s law
Explain the 9 RPR (what are they?)
Concern what a person must do/think to participate in practical reasonableness
To not live up to any of these is unreasonable
Give the 9 RPR with explanation
HOPE W FACE
Harm- never harm a basic good-moral actions should always promote/protect basic good
Obsessed- don’t get obsessed- remain detachment- obsession can lead to fanaticism
Plan action to achieve good- when plan moral actions should choose most efficient action to allow participation in goods
Effort - use effort to improve- be committed to a project
Whole (view life as whole)- life should be viewed as a coherent whole
Foster common good- coordination with others in our communities
Arbitrary (don’t show arbitrary preference)- all basic goods are objectively and equally good
Conscience- follow conscience- possible to be misled by conscience- conscience will be correct if we strive to be reasonable and understand basic goods
Equal - golden rule- treat others as you would like to be treated- basic goods apply equally to all
explain Finnis’ view on common good
Everyone’s projects are equally important so need a degree of organisation so everyone free to pursue
Unifying relationship between human beings and that best enables humans to flourish
Eg students to learn about ethics need to agree on role of teacher and student and where to sit etc
Explain Finnis view on need for authority
Nothing at all can be achieved without some method of coordinating life plans
Eg decisions need to be made about how children are educated- even if more than 1 possible solution
Until this choice is made nothing can be achieved
‘Lex iniusta non lex’- an unjust law is no law at all
Give 3 points that agree with ‘Finnis’ natural law is acceptable in contemporary society’
His NL upholds and promotes understanding of fundamental human rights
Removes the requirement of traditional belief in God- unlike Aquinas
Allows flexibility- allows humans to flourish in individual ways
Give 3 points that disagree with ‘Finnis’ natural law is acceptable in contemporary society’
Doesn’t recognise any hierarchy of goods
Hittinger argues without goods being ordered it causes moral problems
Places high priority on reason- plays down role of obedience of scripture
Accuse of relativists as doesn’t give clear set of rules
