Key Words

Question 0

Aquinas

Answer 0

Primary founder of natural law. Fought to combine Aristotle’s views on morality with religious values.

Question 1

Rationality

Answer 1

Rationality is a key element of human existence, which refers to the ability to think logically, or the ability to reason. Both Aristotle and Aquinas thought that this was key

Question 2

Aristotle

Answer 2

Aristotle is the basis of natural law. Also, he is a key thinker in philosophy. Many of his beliefs and views are key concepts within natural law

Question 3

Absolutist

Answer 3

Rules that apply to every situation within human nature, it is universal with the typical moral norms. Natural law is an absolutist theory

Question 4

Legalistic

Answer 4

The idea to follow religious law to gain eternal life. The concept of following a law will help obtain the greatest good. It is the foundation of catholic teaching

Question 5

Deontological

Answer 5

Based on the morality of an act, rather than the consequence. Comes from the Greek word ‘deon’ which means duty.

Question 6

Law

Answer 6

Aquinas believed that laws are universal. These are: eternal law, divine law, natural law and human law

Question 7

Purpose

Answer 7

Aquinas believed that we have an ‘ideal’ universal human nature which all humans can potentially achieve. He stated that humans should ‘do good to avoid evil’.

Question 8

Primary precepts

Answer 8

Theses are five main god given purposes which were outlined in Aquinas' natural law theory. 
These are to worship God, 
live in ordered society, 
to reproduce, 
to learn and 
to defend the innocent.

Question 9

Secondary precepts

Answer 9

Developments of the primary precepts in order to be more flexible for certain situations e.g. Euthanasia

Question 10

Cardinal virtue

Answer 10

Aquinas outlined four human qualities which he believed are necessary  to form the basis of a moral life. They are known as the cardinal virtues because the Latin term 'cardo' means 'hinge'. The four virtues are
Prudence, 
Justice, 
Fortitude and
Temperance

Question 11

Prudence

Answer 11

The ability to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time

Question 12

Justice

Answer 12

This helps us to balance our interests with the rights and interests of others

Question 13

Fortitude

Answer 13

This is sometimes referred to as courage. It means to possess the ability to confront fear and uncertainty in order to achieve one’s goal

Question 14

Temperance

Answer 14

To be able to practice self-control or restraint in order to be considered honourable

Question 15

Theological virtues

Answer 15

Aquinas referred to three revealed virtues of faith, hope and charity. They are also often called the theological virtues.

Question 16

Interior act

Answer 16

An interior act is based purely on good intentions within an act, with positive motivation. It is one’s motive/intention for performing an act

Question 17

Exterior act

Answer 17

This is the actual ‘external’ act itself which can be seen. People must perform a good exterior act if they wish to glorify God

Question 18

Double effect

Answer 18

If a good act which has an intended good effect has secondary bad consequences, it is still right to carry out that act. This is known as the principle of double effect

Question 19

Real good

Answer 19

This is a characteristic that will help people to become closer to the ideal human nature that God had planned for people.

Question 20

Apparent good

Answer 20

A vice or sin that takes people further away from the ideal human nature that god had planned for them