Natural law Flashcards
What is the universe’s order? and what does it work to achieve?
natural- works to achieve an end or purpose (telos) that is determined by God
Do all humans have a purpose?
Yes because they are part of this natural order
What does humanity desire?
Eudamonia- activity that perfects the highest faculty of the person- this means fulfilling our purpose as humans
Where is ultimate fulfilment found?
God- reason leads humans to seek this
Why is natural law referred to as a deontological theory?
It identifies principles of duty (how we ought to behave)
Based on principles not consequences
What did Aquinas say about our innate sense of right and wrong?
That we have it and we try to do good and avoid evil in order to find fulfilment and happiness in life
What are the 4 tiers of law?
Eternal, Divine, Natural, Human
What is eternal law?
Laws of universe governed by God.
God’s plan is perfect, unchanging and not situational.
These laws govern how everything should behave.
Through human reason we may imperfectly attempt to apply these to life.
What is divine law?
Guidance offered in scripture.
Bible-10 commandments
What is natural law?
Instinct inspired by reason.
The moral thinking that we are all able to do.
Reason enables the understanding of evil. This is applied in all humans and is unchanging
What is human law?
Establishing customs and systems.
Involves seeking the common good by establishing customs, laws and traditions of rules based on Divine + Natural law
What are Aquinas’s 5 primary precepts?
W-worship God
O-ordered society
R-reproduce
L-learn
D-defend the innocent
What do those with and without access to scripture do?
With- worship of God was expected
Without- use of reason would dictate that worship of god was right
What entails an ordered society?
Shun ignorance, avoid offending those among whom you have to live with
It is humanity’s natural inclination “to know the truth about God and live in society”
What entails reproduction?
The sex act must be intended for procreation
Children need to be raised in a loving environment and marriage is the proper context of this
What does learning entail?
Having offspring and investing in their upbringing and well being
This involves personal sacrifice
What does defend the innocent entail?
All life- our own and others is important
What are secondary precepts?
They can be reasoned from the primary precepts.
They are flexible depending on the circumstances
What are interior acts?
intention
What are exterior acts?
action
What is reasoned/real good?
reason is the natural inclination which when well practised, leads to action that gives humanity perfection
What does Aquinas realise about humanity and reason?
That we can reason poorly
What is apparent good?
A person considers that something is good+pursues it when in reality it is not good.
Takes humanity further away from where God intended his creation to be.
Leads themselves to sin
What were Aquinas’s 4 natural/cardinal virtues?
Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude(courage), Justice
What is prudence?
Makes a sound judgement
Wisdom
What is temperance?
Moderation of bodily pleasures
Ensures mastery over our instincts
What is fortitude?
Encourages endurance in difficulties
Resist temptation and overcome obstacles
What is justice?
The constant and firm desire to do what is fair to God and our neighbour
Explanation of doctrine of double effect and ideals?
Lesser of 2 evils.
Intention matters.
Ideally interior and exterior acts are good.
The motive should be focused on the good effect
Even if a well intentioned act ends badly, the act was still right
What is the important issue with the doctrine of double effect?
The intention was pure
What 4 conditions must be met to legitimise the double effect?
We try to avoid evil outcomes
The immediate effect must be good
Evil is not a means to obtain the good
Any result would have as much good as evil
Why is natural law referred to as absolutist?
Right actions are identified by means of the primary precepts
Strengths of natural law?
Structure everyone can follow
Keeps people away from anarchy
Good foundation
Absolutist and universal
Doesn’t rely on unpredictable consequences
Forms a link between creator, creation and purpose
Not subjective
Weaknesses of natural law?
Dated
Too religious
Too harsh/rigid
Lacks flexibility
Contradictory- flexibility in second but not first precepts
Doesn’t cover all aspects of life
Says human nature is ONE thing when in reality it isn’t
Assumes we all have telos- existentialists disagree- Sartre
Apparent goods justify wrongdoings
Commits naturalistic fallacy of observing what happens in the world and assuming that this is what must happen
Attempts to define moral values in non-moral terms- see natural order and base ethical decisions on it
Divine law- which translation of scripture?
