Aquinas’ Ethics Flashcards
What is eternal law?
-Gods rational purpose and plan for all
- exists everywhere all the time
- fulfils telos=fulfils eternal law
What is divine law?
-discovered through revelation
- God has given to us these mysteries- 10 commandments (scripture)
Human and divine l help us fulfil telos
What is natural law?
Consistent for all
- act according to reason (we will then all agree on primary precepts)
- internal rules
What is human law?
- gives secondary precepts
- not consistent (changes)
- only morally good if consistent with natural law
What are primary precepts?
. Internal rules- any rational person can recognise by thinking, absolute
. Good perused, evil avoided
- Worship of God
- Ordering of society
- Reproduce
- Life preservation
- Learning
What are secondary precepts?
Not generated by reason but imposed by society
- NOT always morally acceptable- apparent good
- only moral if consistent with natural law- real good
TO DISCOVER REAL GOOD MUST BE PART OF SOCIETY
What is the order of the laws?
Eternal, divine, natural, human
What does Aquinas believe about telos?
Telos= be with God
. Rational acting
. Ultimate end in supreme infinite God
. God given reason
What is syndersis?
The precept to seek good and shun evil
Why should we follow natural law?
It’s within our nature and our duty to co form to NL- created by God.
THE PURPOSE OF NATURE
What is the 2 fold truth?
One to which the inquiry of reason can reach, the other which surpasses the whole ability of the human reason.
- non believer can attain truths but not higher truths of faith (truths are incomplete)
What does aquinas say about good?
We have natural tendencies to good objectives
- given recta ratio (right reason) and freedom to chose and follow good
What does teleological mean?
Universe created by God- design and purpose- design argument
- understood through examination and study of the world
Why does Aquinas think we sin?
- not purposefully
- we fall short of our natural purpose because we confuse real with apparent goods.
What is apparent and real good?
Apparent- mistaken good that takes people further away from Gods will
Real- ideal good, closer to God- virtuous
What makes an act truly good? (DDE)
Both interior (intention) and exterior (action) act must be right
What are the problems with interior and exterior acts?
- you will never know if an intention is good
- no good deed goes unpunished, all acts are selfish
What is casuistry?
Process of applying NL principles to specific situations
What is the double doctrine effect?
Force must be proportionate to the situation but the interior act/ intention must be good otherwise an act is unlawful.
