Natural law

Question 1

Who developed the moral theory of Natural Law?

Answer 1

St. Thomas Aquinas

Question 2

What is the basis for determining morality in Natural Law?

Answer 2

Rational reflection on human nature and purpose

Question 3

What is the key quote by Aquinas regarding morality?

Answer 3

Good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided.

Question 4

Natural Law applies universally to which group?

Answer 4

All humans regardless of religion

Question 5

What are the Four Tiers of Law according to Aquinas?

Answer 5

• Eternal Law
• Divine Law
• Natural Law
• Human Law

Question 6

What is Eternal Law?

Answer 6

God’s will and wisdom which governs the whole universe

Question 7

What is Divine Law?

Answer 7

Laws revealed through scripture and revelation

Question 8

What is Natural Law?

Answer 8

Human participation in eternal law through reason

Question 9

What characterizes Human Law?

Answer 9

Laws created by human societies

Question 10

What are the Five Primary Precepts of Natural Law?

Answer 10

• Preservation of Life
• Reproduction
• Education of the Young
• Living in an Ordered Society
• Worshipping God

Question 11

What does the precept ‘Preservation of Life’ support?

Answer 11

Rules against murder, suicide, abortion, euthanasia

Question 12

What does the precept ‘Reproduction’ encourage?

Answer 12

Marriage and disapproves of contraception, abortion, homosexuality

Question 13

What is the purpose of ‘Education of the Young’?

Answer 13

Essential to human development

Question 14

What does ‘Living in an Ordered Society’ emphasize?

Answer 14

Formation of just and peaceful communities

Question 15

What does ‘Worshipping God’ reflect about humans?

Answer 15

Humans are rational and spiritual beings created by God

Question 16

What are Secondary Precepts?

Answer 16

Specific rules derived from primary precepts through reason

Question 17

What are Theological Virtues?

Answer 17

• Faith
• Hope
• Charity (Love)

Question 18

What is the greatest virtue according to Aquinas?

Answer 18

Charity (Love)

Question 19

What are Cardinal Virtues?

Answer 19

• Prudence
• Justice
• Fortitude
• Temperance

Question 20

What is the principle of ‘Universal’ in Natural Law?

Answer 20

Applies to all people at all times

Question 21

What does ‘Immutable’ mean in the context of Natural Law?

Answer 21

Does not change with society or culture

Question 22

How is Natural Law described as ‘Accessible by Reason’?

Answer 22

Everyone can understand it, even without faith

Question 23

True or False: Natural Law is based on subjective morality.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

What distinguishes Real Good from Apparent Good?

Answer 24

Real Good leads toward ultimate purpose; Apparent Good seems good but leads away from it

Question 25

What is a key strength of Natural Law?

Answer 25

Provides clear and rational guidance for morality

Question 26

What is a key weakness of Natural Law?

Answer 26

Can be too rigid and doesn’t easily allow exceptions

Question 27

How does Natural Law apply to abortion?

Answer 27

Violates preservation of life and reproduction precepts

Question 28

What is the Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE)?

Answer 28

An action with both a good and bad effect can be permissible under certain conditions

Question 29

What is required for an action to be permissible under the DDE?

Answer 29

* The act itself is good or neutral * The bad effect is not the intended outcome * The good effect is not achieved through the bad effect * There is a proportionally serious reason for allowing the bad effect