ETHICS: Natural Moral Law-

Question 1

Origins of natural law- Aquinas.

Answer 1

Aquinas linked cosmic natural law with Aristotle’s view that everyone has a specific nature, purpose and function.

Question 2

What’s supreme good for humans?

Answer 2

Eudaimonia- Aristotle saw this as the final goal for humans.

Question 3

Purpose of humans- eternal law:

Answer 3

Eternal law- principles by which God made and controls universe and God only knows completely.

Question 4

Purpose of humans- divine law:

Answer 4

Bible- reflects eternal law of God. Reflection can only be seen by those who believe in God.

Question 5

Apparent good:

Answer 5

We think is good but doesn’t fit the perfect ideal.

Question 6

Real good-

Answer 6

true, intrinsic good.

Question 7

Primary precept-

Answer 7

Preservation of life 
Reproduction
Ordered society 
Worshipping God
Learning

Question 8

Secondary precepts?

Answer 8

Put into place to make sure primary precepts are put into place, make them yourself.

Question 9

Double effect-

Answer 9

Absolutist. Wrong to do a bad act in order to bring about a good consequence BUT bad act must only have unintended side effects.

Question 10

STRENGTHS OF NATURAL LAW X4

Answer 10

1. Clean-cut approach to morality and established common rules.
2. Precepts are common to all cultures.
3. General moral principles instead of individual.
4. Moral decision making is not done by reason alone, emotions ect are taken into account.

Question 11

WEAKNESSES OF NATURAL LAW X4:

Answer 11

1. Difficult to relate complex decisions to basic principles in practise, eg: more money spent on schools than hospitals?
2. Based on assumptions about the world, but world has no rational system of laws To go by.
3. Relies too much on reason.
4. No divine purpose, only the way things are.

Question 12

Origins of natural law-

Answer 12

Stoics- believed God is everywhere and in everyone.
Humans have a divine spark within them which allows them to live by the will of God.
Human have a choice to obey the laws that govern the universe, but they need to use their reason to determine to obey these laws.