Natural law

Question 1

What is the universe’s order? and what does it work to achieve?

Answer 1

natural- works to achieve an end or purpose (telos) that is determined by God

Question 2

Do all humans have a purpose?

Answer 2

Yes because they are part of this natural order

Question 3

What does humanity desire?

Answer 3

Eudamonia- activity that perfects the highest faculty of the person- this means fulfilling our purpose as humans

Question 4

Where is ultimate fulfilment found?

Answer 4

God- reason leads humans to seek this

Question 5

Why is natural law referred to as a deontological theory?

Answer 5

It identifies principles of duty (how we ought to behave)
Based on principles not consequences

Question 6

What did Aquinas say about our innate sense of right and wrong?

Answer 6

That we have it and we try to do good and avoid evil in order to find fulfilment and happiness in life

Question 7

What are the 4 tiers of law?

Answer 7

Eternal, Divine, Natural, Human

Question 8

What is eternal law?

Answer 8

Laws of universe governed by God.
God’s plan is perfect, unchanging and not situational.
These laws govern how everything should behave.
Through human reason we may imperfectly attempt to apply these to life.

Question 9

What is divine law?

Answer 9

Guidance offered in scripture.
Bible-10 commandments

Question 10

What is natural law?

Answer 10

Instinct inspired by reason.
The moral thinking that we are all able to do.
Reason enables the understanding of evil. This is applied in all humans and is unchanging

Question 11

What is human law?

Answer 11

Establishing customs and systems.
Involves seeking the common good by establishing customs, laws and traditions of rules based on Divine + Natural law

Question 12

What are Aquinas’s 5 primary precepts?

Answer 12

W-worship God
O-ordered society
R-reproduce
L-learn
D-defend the innocent

Question 13

What do those with and without access to scripture do?

Answer 13

With- worship of God was expected
Without- use of reason would dictate that worship of god was right

Question 14

What entails an ordered society?

Answer 14

Shun ignorance, avoid offending those among whom you have to live with
It is humanity’s natural inclination “to know the truth about God and live in society”

Question 15

What entails reproduction?

Answer 15

The sex act must be intended for procreation
Children need to be raised in a loving environment and marriage is the proper context of this

Question 16

What does learning entail?

Answer 16

Having offspring and investing in their upbringing and well being
This involves personal sacrifice

Question 17

What does defend the innocent entail?

Answer 17

All life- our own and others is important

Question 18

What are secondary precepts?

Answer 18

They can be reasoned from the primary precepts.
They are flexible depending on the circumstances

Question 19

What are interior acts?

Answer 19

intention

Question 20

What are exterior acts?

Answer 20

action

Question 21

What is reasoned/real good?

Answer 21

reason is the natural inclination which when well practised, leads to action that gives humanity perfection

Question 22

What does Aquinas realise about humanity and reason?

Answer 22

That we can reason poorly

Question 23

What is apparent good?

Answer 23

A person considers that something is good+pursues it when in reality it is not good.
Takes humanity further away from where God intended his creation to be.
Leads themselves to sin

Question 24

What were Aquinas’s 4 natural/cardinal virtues?

Answer 24

Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude(courage), Justice

Question 25

What is prudence?

Answer 25

Makes a sound judgement Wisdom

Question 26

What is temperance?

Answer 26

Moderation of bodily pleasures Ensures mastery over our instincts

Question 27

What is fortitude?

Answer 27

Encourages endurance in difficulties Resist temptation and overcome obstacles

Question 28

What is justice?

Answer 28

The constant and firm desire to do what is fair to God and our neighbour

Question 29

Explanation of doctrine of double effect and ideals?

Answer 29

Lesser of 2 evils. Intention matters. Ideally interior and exterior acts are good. The motive should be focused on the good effect Even if a well intentioned act ends badly, the act was still right

Question 30

What is the important issue with the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 30

The intention was pure

Question 31

What 4 conditions must be met to legitimise the double effect?

Answer 31

We try to avoid evil outcomes The immediate effect must be good Evil is not a means to obtain the good Any result would have as much good as evil

Question 32

Why is natural law referred to as absolutist?

Answer 32

Right actions are identified by means of the primary precepts

Question 33

Strengths of natural law?

Answer 33

Structure everyone can follow Keeps people away from anarchy Good foundation Absolutist and universal Doesn't rely on unpredictable consequences Forms a link between creator, creation and purpose Not subjective

Question 34

Weaknesses of natural law?

Answer 34

Dated Too religious Too harsh/rigid Lacks flexibility Contradictory- flexibility in second but not first precepts Doesn't cover all aspects of life Says human nature is ONE thing when in reality it isn't Assumes we all have telos- existentialists disagree- Sartre Apparent goods justify wrongdoings Commits naturalistic fallacy of observing what happens in the world and assuming that this is what must happen Attempts to define moral values in non-moral terms- see natural order and base ethical decisions on it Divine law- which translation of scripture?