Natural Law - Key Terms Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Natural Law - Key Terms Deck (14)
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1
Q

Deontological Theory

A

Ethical Theory that argues the goodness of an action lies in itself, regardless of consequences

2
Q

Teleological Theory

A

Ethical Theory that argues that the goodness of an action is determined by whether it has good consequences

3
Q

Eternal Law

A

God’s will for how the universe is to be, God could have made the universe differently but willed that it and its occupants are of this type

4
Q

Divine Law

A

That which is revealed by God, e.g 10 commandments. Teaches what our natural reason is capable of knowing, God helps us by codifying that which we could know through reason

5
Q

Natural Law

A

‘Right reason in accordance with human nature’ can be worked out by considering what is good for human flourishing

6
Q

Human Law

A

As humans are social animals they must make regulations for human society to be orderly so that people may flourish, must not dictate anything contrary to Natural Law

7
Q

Situationalism

A

Belief that any moral theory must take notes of the facts in each case before being applied, concerned with applications of the principles not the principles themselves

8
Q

Lex

A

Latin term from which we derive ‘legislation’. Refers to specific rule or regulation

9
Q

Ius

A
  • Latin term referring to general principle of the law, not specific regulations.
  • Sometimes translated in terms of rights and the word from which we derive ‘justice’ in Latin
  • Natural law is always Ius
10
Q

Principle of double effect

A
  • An act may have more than one effect, and to be known to have more than one
  • What matters is intention
  • The aim of the act was not harm but the first good intention
11
Q

Positive Law

A

The belief that the law does not depend on any wider principle than the authority of those who make the laws or existing codes of the law

12
Q

Real Good

A

Action that allows one to meet a purpose, dictated by reason. Good will follow from it

13
Q

Apparent Good

A

Action that flawed reason dictates will allow one to meet a purpose. In fact it will not, and will actually lead to evil

14
Q

Eudaimonia

A

For Aristotle, a full flourishing of the human person and his abilities - happiness