Natural Law Flashcards
What is the main argument of natural law thinkers?
That there is a distinctive human nature which we should live in accordance with
Using our reason, what is the first law that is perceived?
That good is to be done an evil is to be avoided
What did Aristotle say about the universality of natural law?
“that which is natural is unchangeable, and has the same power everywhere”
According to Aquinas, what is the first principle of practical reason?
“good is that which all things seek after”
What did Aristotle argue about why every human being acts?
In order to acquire eudaimonia
What is eudaimonia?
An activity that promotes the highest faculty of a person (i.e, something is good if it has fulfilled its end)
What are properly moral acts according to Aquinas?
Free acts that come from a freely acting rational person
When did Aquinas say that we can only be fully satisfied?
When we have achieved the ultimate end, the universal good?
Why did Aquinas conclude that the ultimate end cannot be achieved in this world ?
Because all good things in this world are only temporary goods e.g. even the love of a partner is ultimately replaced by grief
What did Aquinas write about the fact that the ultimate end can only be achieved with God?
“Ultimate and perfect beatitude can consist only in the vision of the divine essence”
How are we able to seek the ultimate end?
Using the natural light of reason
What does Aquinas say about the motivations behind acts?
You must not do good for bad reasons. Also, you must not to bad for good reasons. Intention matters.
What are the names of the 4 tiers of law?
Eternal, Divine, Natural, Human
What is the Eternal Law?
The absolute and unchanging principles by which God created and rules the universe, known only to the mind of God.
What is the Divine Law?
God’s commands and teachings of divine revelation, usually found in the Bible. It is God teaching humans how to live.
What is the Natural Law?
The law that allows humans to perceive the eternal law through human reason which is accessible to the whole of humanity?
What is Human Law?
The customs and practices of nations. For Aquinas a human law is only a just law if it is in accordance with divine and natural law.
What is the synderesis rule?
To do good and to avoid evil. Reason directs us to do this, and all other principles flow from this reason
For Aquinas, what does using our reason for the common good lead to?
Certain acts being promoted and other acts being prohibited
What are the 5 primary precepts
Worship God, Ordered society, reproduce, learn, defend innocent life
What did Aquinas believe about human nature?
That we are fundamentally good
How did Aquinas explain people doing evil acts?
Evil acts are sought indirectly, because people are mistaken about what they truly desire. Evil acts are apparent goods.
What did Aquinas write about the non-desirability of evil ?
“No evil can be desirable, either by appetite or by conscious will”
