Criticisms of Basis Flashcards
What is a counter to the central idea of Natural Law Ethics?
Modern science, particularly the views of Francis Bacon and physicist Sean Carroll, rejects final causation and the idea of telos as unscientific, arguing that all behaviors and changes can be explained by material and efficient causation.
What is a counter to the scientific critique of telos in Natural Law Ethics?
Polkinghorne argues that science is limited and cannot answer questions of purpose or the ‘why’ of the universe, suggesting that science cannot dismiss the existence of purpose or telos.
How does Richard Dawkins critique the idea of purpose in Natural Law Ethics?
Dawkins argues that asking why the universe exists assumes there is a purpose, which may not be the case, and emphasizes the burden of proof is on those claiming the existence of purpose, for which there is no scientific basis.
What is a counter to the primary precepts of Natural Law Ethics?
Critics argue that if all humans had the innate ability to know the primary precepts, there would be more moral agreement across cultures, suggesting that social conditioning, not natural law, shapes moral views.
What critique does Karl Barth offer against Aquinas’ reliance on human reason in Natural Law Ethics?
Barth argues that human reason, corrupted by original sin, cannot reliably know God or His moral law, making reliance on reason dangerous and potentially idolatrous.
How do conservative Catholics defend Natural Law Ethics against the critique of being outdated?
Conservative Catholics argue that traditional moral principles like the primary precepts are essential for societal flourishing, providing moral stability and purpose which secular liberal culture lacks.
What is a secular critique of the primary precepts in Natural Law Ethics?
Secularists argue that the primary precepts are outdated, having been shaped by socio-economic conditions of medieval society that no longer apply, thus calling for more flexible ethical principles in modern times.
What is Pope Benedict XIV’s argument regarding the relevance of Natural Law Ethics today?
Pope Benedict XIV argues that excluding God and religious virtues leads to a reductive vision of humanity and society, while Natural Law Ethics provides essential moral, spiritual, and human resources necessary for true societal development.
