NET1: natural moral law

Question 1

what is DEONTOLOGY?

Answer 1

the approach when right and wrong is judged on whether an action follows the rules.

Question 2

what is TELOS?

Answer 2

purpose or end goal.

Question 3

what is a MORAL AGENT?

Answer 3

person involved in making ethical decisions.

Question 4

what is SYNDERESIS?

Answer 4

• the innate principle in us to direct the agent to do good.
• all people have the natural desire to do good and avoid evil.

Question 5

Aquinas’ view on human nature, purpose and reason?

Answer 5

• Aquinas’ view is inspired by Aristotle’s ideas (he Christianized them)
• natural justice (what is fair) exists everywhere for ALL people.
• everything has a TELOS but its supreme good is found when that telos is fulfilled.

Question 6

a quote from Aquinas on human nature, purpose and reason.

Answer 6

• “the natural is that which is equally valid everywhere”
• god has written moral laws into nature so EVERYONE can experience them.

Question 7

what are the PRIMARY PRECEPTS?

Answer 7

• TELELOGICAL
• ABSOLUTE rules that are required to achieve our telos (we should aim to live good lives).
• Aquinas’ first rule = PRESERVATION OF LIFE.
• second = desire to REPRODUCE and care for offspring.
• third = live in SOCIETY

Question 8

a quote from Aquinas on PRIMARY PRECEPTS.

Answer 8

• “there is a single standard of truth and right for everyone which is known by everyone.”

Question 9

what are the SECONDARY PRECEPTS?

Answer 9

• rely on PRIMARY PRECEPTS
• things we should/shouldn’t do because they uphold/fail the primary precepts (flexibility in how they are applied).

Question 10

a quote from Aquinas on SECONDARY PRECEPTS.

Answer 10

• “the natural law is altogether unchangeable in its first laws”

Question 11

what is meant by “TELELOGICAL”?

Answer 11

• in NML the primary precepts are teleological.
• their aim is to bring complete wellbeing in this life and the next life with God (TELOS).

Question 12

what is a VIRTUE?

Answer 12

• a quality/trait in a person held to be a moral value.
• eg. honesty, courage, generosity etc.

Question 12

what is a “REAL” good?

Answer 12

• an action/intention that follows the precepts.

Question 12

what is CULTRAL RELATIVISM?

Answer 12

• rights and wrongs based on culture
• eg. some people accept polygamous relationships however some people do not based on culture.

Question 12

what is Aquinas’ view on God-given reason?

Answer 12

• NML gives the opportunity to work towards good in all things however its not always possible because of original sin and humans falling from the state of perfection.
• “since all have sinned and fallen short of all glory of God”.

Question 12

what is an “APPARENT” good?

Answer 12

• an action/intention that doesn’t follow the precepts.

Question 12

are “APPARENT” goods intentional?

Answer 12

• some people may follow an apparent good as it seems to be a good action but in reality goes against the precepts and leads us away from achieving our telos.
• eg. Hitler murdering the Jews was an AG as he thought was strengthening society (error of judgement/ misuse of reason).

Question 13

what is meant by “PRUDENCE”?

Answer 13

• understanding a situation and using PRACTICAL reason to work out what to do.
• practical wisdom.

Question 13

what are the FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES?

Answer 13

• PRUDENCE (practical wisdom)
• JUSTICE (fairness)
  -FORTITUDE (courage)
  -TEMPERENCE (self control)

Question 14

what is the importance of CARDINAL VALUES?

Answer 14

• following them helps reach our TELOS.
• Aquinas argues we must practice these virtues as they are the foundation of NATURAL MORALITY.

Question 15

what are the THREE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES?

Answer 15

• FAITH (belief in God and what is written in church scriptures)
• HOPE (