Classical Foundations Flashcards
What is a famous play written by Sophocles in the 5th century BC that gives and example of natural law in action?
Antigone
- Antigone breaks Creon’s Law and buried her brother (even though he forbid it)
- Antigone believed the state cannot overrule the immortal law of the gods
- which required the dead to be buried
What did Aristotle believe about natural law?
- believed natural justice/law was not always the same as that which was just by a government- made law
Nicomachus on natural law?
That which is natural is unchangeable, and has the same power everywhere
Cicero on natural law
There will be ‘… one eternal and unchangeable law will be valid for all nations and all times and there will be one master and ruler, that is, God.. for he is the author of this law’
What did Aristotle believe about nature?
Nature is directed towards an end - it’s teleological
What did Aristotle believe about the potential of every object or being in the material world?
It was fulfilled when directed towards its proper purpose or end - which is why nature is always changing
What did Aristotle believe about how to live the good life?
We should spend our time training our habits and desires
What did Aristotle believe humans process?
A rational soul that can recognise God’s law
Did Aristotle believe there is a logos or a rational principle ordering nature?
Yes
