natural law Flashcards
(106 cards)
1
Q
Who was Thomas Aquinas?
A
An Italian Catholic priest and philosopher
He was a key figure in natural theology and influenced modern philosophy.
2
Q
What is natural law?
A
The theory that God has designed a moral law into human nature, guiding our moral behaviours
Ethics is about using reason to discover this natural law.
3
Q
Define ‘telos’.
A
End, purpose, or goal of a thing
Aquinas believed that something is only good if it fulfills its telos.
4
Q
What is the significance of eudaimonia in Aquinas’s philosophy?
A
Eudaimonia refers to human flourishing and happiness, achieved through reason and moral action
It is linked to fulfilling one’s telos.
5
Q
What did Aquinas adopt from Aristotle?
A
The theory of natural law and the concept of telos in relation to human purpose
Aquinas attempted to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with Christian principles.
6
Q
What is the role of reason in Aquinas’s understanding of ethics?
A
Reason is used to discover and conform to the natural law within human nature
This leads to fulfilling the purpose of glorifying God.
7
Q
What is the four tiers of law proposed by Aquinas?
A
Eternal Law, Divine Law, Natural Law, Human Law
These tiers illustrate how human law derives authority from natural and divine law.
8
Q
What is Eternal Law?
A
The principles by which God made and controls the universe, known fully only to God
Fulfilling one’s telos aligns with following God’s Eternal Law.
9
Q
What is Divine Law?
A
The law revealed in the Bible, particularly in the Ten Commandments
It guides humans in making moral decisions.
10
Q
What is Natural Law?
A
The moral law of God within human nature discoverable through reason
It directs conscience and leads to moral outcomes when applied.
11
Q
What is Human Law?
A
Law of nations, every day rules that govern our lives
12
Q
What is ‘Synderesis rule’?
A
The principle that good is to be done and evil is to be avoided
Aquinas believed this was a natural inclination of humans.
13
Q
What is a criticism of Aquinas’s view on human nature?
A
It is too optimistic; human history shows significant evil and moral failures
Critics argue that human nature may not inherently lean towards good.
14
Q
What is a key difference between Aquinas and Aristotle regarding human telos?
A
Aquinas sees the telos as union with God in heaven, while Aristotle focuses on eudaimonia in this life
Aquinas emphasizes salvation and the afterlife.
15
Q
True or False: Aquinas believed that all humans will ultimately be saved.
A
False
Aquinas believed eternal life is a gift for those who love God and follow His Natural Law.
16
Q
What is a significant challenge to Aquinas’s concept of telos?
A
The lack of empirical evidence for an afterlife
This undermines the argument that humans are working towards a specific end.
17
Q
According to Aquinas, how should human laws be formed?
A
Based on Divine and Natural Law
These laws should reflect moral truths grounded in God’s nature.
18
Q
What did Charles Darwin’s theory challenge in Aquinas’s view?
A
The idea that natural characteristics are designed by God for specific purposes
Darwin’s theory emphasizes natural selection over divine design.
19
Q
What is the criticism regarding the idea of fixed sexual orientations in Aquinas’s philosophy?
A
It is challenged by notions of transgender and changeability
This undermines the idea of a single predetermined end.
20
Q
What is Aquinas’ view on human nature?
A
Aquinas believes humans have an inherent tendency to do good and avoid evil.
21
Q
What does Hobbes argue about human nature?
A
Hobbes argues that humans are selfish and brutish, naturally scrambling for everything they covet.
22
Q
What are the five primary precepts of Natural Law according to Aquinas?
A
- Preserve Life
- Ordered society
- Worship God
- Educate the young
- Reproduce
23
Q
What is the purpose of the primary precepts?
A
To achieve good and avoid evil, leading to happiness and closeness to God.
24
Q
What is the critique of the primary precepts?
A
They may lead to immoral outcomes by not considering individual circumstances.
25
What does Aquinas mean by 'apparent goods'?
Apparent goods are actions that seem good but do not align with the ideal human nature.
26
What is vincible ignorance?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is responsible and must take moral accountability.
27
What is invincible ignorance?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is not responsible, acting to the best of their knowledge.
28
What is the role of prudence in moral decision-making according to Aquinas?
Prudence involves careful consideration of moral actions to become a good moral person.
29
What is the doctrine of double effect?
A principle stating that an action producing both good and bad effects can be morally acceptable if the intention is good.
30
What does Aquinas claim about the universality of moral rules?
He believes basic moral rules are the same in every culture.
31
What is a critique of the secondary precepts?
They depend on human judgment, which may lead to faulty reasoning and wrong choices.
32
Fill in the blank: The primary precept to '________' emphasizes the importance of preserving life.
Don't Die
33
True or False: Aquinas believes that moral views are determined solely by natural law.
False
34
According to critics, what might cross-cultural similarities in moral codes indicate?
They may result from a biologically evolved morality rather than a divine design.
35
What does G.E. Moore argue against Natural Law?
He argues that one cannot derive an 'ought' from an 'is' and that goodness is unanalysable.
36
What is the function of Divine Law in relation to secondary precepts?
Divine Law can guide moral behavior and enhance understanding of the primary precepts.
37
How does Aquinas define the ultimate purpose of human life?
To live in harmony with God and achieve eternal life.
38
Fill in the blank: Aquinas argues that humans are social animals and must _______ for others.
care
39
What does Aquinas suggest about the flexibility of the primary precepts over time?
He suggests they may be outdated as socio-economic conditions change.
40
What does Barth argue about human reason and morality?
He believes human reason is damaged by Original Sin and cannot reliably make moral decisions.
41
What does the primary precept of 'ordered society' imply?
Living in a society that follows moral rules.
42
List the core similarities between the moralities of different cultures mentioned in the text.
* Not killing without reason
* Rules about stealing
* Universal prescriptions like the golden rule
43
What is the doctrine of double effect?
A principle whereby some actions produce two results, one good and one bad, and it is permissible to perform a good action even if bad consequences are foreseen, provided there is no bad intention.
## Footnote
The doctrine is often used in moral philosophy to assess the permissibility of actions that have both positive and negative outcomes.
44
According to Natural Law, what is more important: intentions or consequences?
Intentions are more important than the consequences of actions.
## Footnote
Natural Law emphasizes the moral value of intentions behind actions rather than their outcomes.
45
What condition must be met for the doctrine of double effect to be applied?
The action itself cannot be morally wrong; it must be good.
## Footnote
This is known as the Nature of the Act Condition.
46
How does Aquinas justify killing in self-defense using the doctrine of double effect?
Aquinas argues that if the intention is to defend oneself, and the death of the attacker is a foreseen but unintended consequence, then the action is permissible.
## Footnote
Aquinas discusses this in his work Summa Theologica.
47
What is the Mean-End Condition in the doctrine of double effect?
The good effect must be produced directly by the action, not by the bad side effect.
## Footnote
This condition ensures that the intended good outcome is a direct result of the action taken.
48
What is the Right Intention Condition?
The intention must be the achieving of the good effect with the bad effect being only an unintended side effect.
## Footnote
This condition emphasizes that the bad effect may be foreseen but not desired.
49
What does the Proportionality Condition state?
The good effect must be at least as morally good as the bad effect is morally bad.
## Footnote
This ensures that the positive outcome justifies the negative consequence.
50
True or False: The doctrine of double effect can justify the act of killing in self-defense.
True.
## Footnote
The doctrine allows for the justification of self-defense killings under specific moral conditions.
51
In the context of euthanasia, why is a doctor overdosing a patient with morphine unacceptable?
It fails conditions one and two of the doctrine of double effect, as the act of killing is morally bad.
## Footnote
The intention must be the good act of pain prevention, not killing.
52
Fill in the blank: The doctrine of double effect is often applied to moral dilemmas such as the _______.
Trolley Problem.
## Footnote
This ethical scenario illustrates the complexities of moral decision-making in life-and-death situations.
53
What is a critique of the doctrine of double effect regarding intentions?
It is questioned whether one can truly separate intentions from the consequences of their actions.
## Footnote
Critics argue that intentions are often ambiguous and subjective.
54
Who argued that killing in self-defense is not moral?
Augustine.
## Footnote
Augustine believed that self-defense stems from excessive self-love.
55
What is a potential issue with the doctrine of double effect in war situations?
Determining true intentions can be difficult, especially when collateral damage is involved.
## Footnote
This raises questions about the morality of actions taken during conflict.
56
True or False: The doctrine of double effect is widely accepted by all ethical systems.
False.
## Footnote
Not all philosophers or ethical systems accept the principles of the doctrine of double effect.
57
What is the positive view of human nature according to Aquinas?
Humans have a natural response to do good, leading to the development of moral laws.
## Footnote
This perspective supports the idea of a created world where life flourishes.
58
What does the critique by Thomas Hobbes suggest about human nature?
Human nature is dangerous and self-serving, requiring limitations to prevent destructive behavior.
## Footnote
Hobbes viewed humanity as competitive and aggressive.
59
Fill in the blank: Natural law is a central thought of _______ moral theology.
Catholic.
## Footnote
It informs the moral thought of the global Catholic Church.
60
What moral issues does Catholic teaching address based on natural law?
Prohibits artificial contraception, masturbation, and homosexual sex.
## Footnote
These acts are seen as contrary to their purpose (telos) of producing new life.
61
What is the ordered approach provided by the Catholic Church?
A system to weigh moral judgments based on reason and interpretation of experience
## Footnote
It combines attention to actions and the laws of life, enhancing community life and addressing wider needs beyond individual pleasure.
62
What does Catholic teaching prohibit on natural law grounds?
* Artificial contraception
* Masturbation
* Homosexual sex
## Footnote
These prohibitions are based on the belief that such acts cannot result in new life and violate the purpose of sexual faculty.
63
Who wrote that intercourse is unlawful if it prevents conception?
St Augustine
## Footnote
He stated this in the context of discussing the moral implications of sexual intercourse.
64
What is the doctrine of double effect?
A principle whereby some actions produce both a good and a bad result, and it is permissible to perform the action if the bad result is not intended
## Footnote
This doctrine is often used in ethical discussions to justify certain actions that have unintended negative consequences.
65
What are the 5 Primary Precepts according to Aquinas?
* Worship God
* Live in an ordered society
* Reproduce
* Educate children
* Preserve life
## Footnote
These precepts are seen as fundamental goods that humans are inclined to follow, as per Aquinas' Natural Law theory.
66
What does Aquinas believe is the telos of humans?
To act in a way so as to be reunited with God in heaven after death
## Footnote
This belief underscores Aquinas' ethical framework within Natural Law.
67
True or False: Natural Law supports the idea of universal human rights.
True
## Footnote
Natural Law upholds the dignity and equality of every human being, which aligns with the concept of universal human rights.
68
What is vincible ignorance according to Aquinas?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is responsible
## Footnote
Individuals must take responsibility for actions resulting from vincible ignorance.
69
Fill in the blank: The secondary precepts are the _______ application of the primary precepts in specific areas.
[practical]
## Footnote
They require reason and judgment to apply the fundamental goods in daily life.
70
What is invincible ignorance?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is not responsible
## Footnote
It occurs when individuals act to the best of their knowledge and understanding but still make mistakes.
71
What is a criticism of Aquinas' view on human nature's orientation towards the good?
It assumes an absolute understanding of 'good' without considering relativity
## Footnote
Critics argue that moral views are influenced by culture and context, challenging the absoluteness of Aquinas' claims.
72
What does Aquinas argue about human nature and the pursuit of good?
Humans are designed to pursue perfection and should not knowingly pursue evil
## Footnote
He acknowledges that ignorance can lead to pursuing apparent goods instead of real goods.
73
What is the main conclusion regarding Aquinas’ Natural Law?
It can lead to immoral outcomes for some people due to its absolutist nature
## Footnote
Critics suggest that morality is relative and that Aquinas' framework does not account for individual circumstances.
74
How does Aquinas describe the virtue of prudence?
As the repetition of careful consideration of different moral actions and experiences
## Footnote
This virtue helps individuals become better moral actors over time.
75
What is telos in the context of Natural Law according to Thomas Aquinas?
Telos means end/purpose, and humans aim to reunite with God in heaven after death.
## Footnote
Aquinas believed that humans have a natural inclination to 'do good and avoid evil' as part of their telos.
76
What are the 5 Primary Precepts identified by Aquinas?
* Worshipping God
* Living in an ordered society
* Reproducing
* Educating children
* Preserving life
## Footnote
These precepts are seen as general rules that humans are inclined to follow as a by-product of creation.
77
What is the significance of the concept of telos for Christians, according to Aquinas?
It provides a sense of purpose for being a good person.
## Footnote
However, it raises questions about the existence of God and the validity of telos if one does not believe in God.
78
What does Aquinas argue about human nature and moral actions?
Humans are inclined to do good, but they can make mistakes in moral reasoning.
## Footnote
Aquinas believes that Divine Law helps guide moral reasoning.
79
What is vincible ignorance according to Aquinas?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is responsible and must take accountability for their actions.
## Footnote
An example would be ignoring a crime and not acting when one could have helped.
80
What does Aquinas say about apparent goods versus real goods?
Apparent goods are actions that seem good but do not align with the Primary Precepts; real goods align with the Primary Precepts.
## Footnote
For example, having an abortion is viewed as an apparent good, while preserving life is a real good.
81
Fill in the blank: Aquinas believed that human beings have a natural inclination to _______.
do good and avoid evil.
82
What is the criticism regarding Aquinas’ focus on telos?
There is no categorical evidence for the existence of God, which undermines the concept of telos.
## Footnote
If there is no God, then the orientation towards the good becomes questionable.
83
What is the naturalistic fallacy as criticized in Aquinas’ reasoning?
The assumption that one can derive moral 'oughts' from natural 'is' facts.
## Footnote
G.E. Moore argued against this notion, stating that factual premises do not imply moral conclusions.
84
What does the concept of secondary precepts entail?
They are the practical applications of the Primary Precepts in specific situations.
## Footnote
Aquinas argued that reasoning is required to apply these precepts correctly in daily life.
85
True or False: Aquinas believed that all moral actions are absolute and unchanging.
False.
## Footnote
While he advocated for absolute rules, he acknowledged that humans could misinterpret them.
86
What does Aquinas suggest about human cooperation and moral behavior?
Humans are naturally selfish and brutish, but reason allows them to cooperate for a better society.
## Footnote
This contrasts with the optimistic view of human nature that Aquinas holds.
87
What is invincible ignorance according to Aquinas?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is not responsible and acts to the best of their ability to inform themselves.
## Footnote
This can occur when someone makes a moral error despite having done all they could to understand.
88
What is the conclusion regarding the strengths and weaknesses of Natural Law?
Its weaknesses outweigh its strengths due to the relativity of morality and reliance on human reasoning.
## Footnote
The failure to consider individual circumstances can lead to immoral outcomes.
89
What is the primary precept that supports the prohibition of euthanasia?
Do not kill
## Footnote
This aligns with the Natural Law's inclination to preserve life.
90
According to Aquinas, what is the purpose (telos) of human beings?
To reproduce
## Footnote
Aquinas argues that human sex organs indicate the purpose of reproduction.
91
What is G.E. Moore's argument regarding deriving moral values?
You cannot derive an ought from an is
## Footnote
This highlights the distinction between factual statements and ethical obligations.
92
What does Aquinas mean by 'apparent goods'?
Faulty reasoning leading to mistaken actions
## Footnote
These are actions that seem good but do not achieve one's telos.
93
What is vincible ignorance according to Aquinas?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is responsible
## Footnote
It indicates moral culpability for actions taken.
94
What is invincible ignorance?
A lack of knowledge for which a person is not responsible
## Footnote
This occurs when a person acts to the best of their knowledge but still errs.
95
What does Aquinas say about the virtue of prudence?
It involves careful consideration of moral actions
## Footnote
Prudence helps individuals learn to be good moral persons.
96
What does Natural Law prohibit?
Abortion, homosexuality, contraception, sex before marriage, euthanasia
## Footnote
These prohibitions are based on perceived violations of primary precepts.
97
What is the criticism regarding Natural Law's reliance on reason?
Not everyone reasons in the same way as Aquinas assumes
## Footnote
This leads to potential immoral outcomes based on individual circumstances.
98
What is the doctrine of double effect?
An action can have both good and bad effects, and if the good effect is intended, the action may be justified
## Footnote
This principle is used in moral reasoning, particularly in self-defense scenarios.
99
What are the two effects of an action in self-defense according to Aquinas?
Saving one's life (good effect) and the attacker's death (bad effect)
## Footnote
The intention should focus on the good effect to justify the action.
100
What is Aquinas's view on the nature of the act in self-defense?
It must not be evil in itself
## Footnote
The action of saving oneself is considered good, while killing is the unintended bad effect.
101
What did St. Augustine argue regarding self-defense?
Private self-defense proceeds from excessive self-love
## Footnote
This suggests moral issues with justifying self-defense.
102
What is required for the bad effect in the doctrine of double effect to be justified?
It must be proportionate to the good effect
## Footnote
The good outcome should outweigh the negative consequences.
103
Can intention be considered in moral judgments according to Aquinas?
Yes, intention is a vital element in determining the morality of an action
## Footnote
This is particularly relevant in legal contexts regarding self-defense.
104
How does Aquinas view the role of intention in self-defense situations?
If the intention is to save oneself, one is not committing murder
## Footnote
This aligns with the doctrine of double effect.
105
What is a criticism of judging morality based on intention?
Some argue it leads to sloppy morality and overlooks objective right and wrong
## Footnote
This raises questions about the reliability of self-judgment in moral situations.
106
What is the conclusion regarding the justification of actions based on achieving telos?
An action cannot be judged good solely based on achieving telos
## Footnote
This is because Natural Law's absolute view fails to consider moral relativism.
