Natural Law Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
What is the central goal of a Christian according to Aquinas?
A
Aquinas argued that the central goal of a Christian should be to do good and avoid evil.
2
Q
How do you know what is good and what is evil?
A
Ask: ‘is it natural?’
3
Q
Purpose?
A
Aquinas thought that all things have a ‘telos’ (Greek) or purpose. Something that fulfils its purpose is good.
4
Q
How is our purpose summed up?
A
5 primary precepts
5
Q
What are the 5 primary precepts?
A
- Self preservation and the preservation of the innocent
- Continuation of the species through reproduction
- Educate children
- live in society
- worship God
6
Q
What do the secondary precepts do?
A
How/ what to do to achieve the primary precepts
7
Q
What is absolute morality?
A
The idea that some actions are always right or wrong
8
Q
What is the doctrine of double effect?
A
An action can be moral even if it has bad side effects, as long as the intention is good
