Natural Law

Question 1

Natural Order

Answer 1

God has designed the universe to function in a particular way, humans are part of this created order

Question 2

Telos

Answer 2

Everything has a natural purpose

Question 3

Ratio

Answer 3

Natural Law based on reason

Question 4

Challenge to Xnity

Answer 4

Aquinas argued that Natural Law didn’t challenge medieval Christianity as properly applied reason would reach the same conclusion as the bible

Question 5

St Paul and the gentiles

Answer 5

Even gentiles seemed to have Gods Laws ‘written on their hearts’

Question 6

Aristotle

Answer 6

Aristotle reasoned that a thing is ‘good’ if it fulfils its natural purpose. E.g a ‘good’ knife is knife which cuts well.

Question 7

Primary Precepts

Answer 7

5 things intrinsic part of our human nature: to preserve life, to learn, to reproduce, to live harmoniously and to worship

Question 8

Secondary Precepts

Answer 8

The conclusions we make when working out how to best fulfill our primary precepts

Question 9

Synderesis

Answer 9

It is ‘natural’ to avoid evil and pursue good

Question 10

Apparent Good

Answer 10

the mistakes we make are simply wrongly applied reason. e.g A man pursuing an affair is an apparent good. He believes himself to be in love, but if he properly applied his reason, he would conclude that this is not a good or natural way to behave

Question 11

Double Effect

Answer 11

Sometimes it is necessary to commit a good act with a bad consequence. e.g performing a hysterectomy on a pregnant woman

Question 12

Four approaches

Answer 12

1. the act must not be evil in itself
2. the good arising from the situation must outweigh the bad
3. the intention must be good
4. proportionately serious reason

Question 13

Hierarchy of Law

Answer 13

Eternal law beyond human comprehension
Divine law is the bible
natural law
Human Law

Question 14

Deontological

Answer 14

it is our duty to fulfill our purpose

Question 15

Teleological

Answer 15

we use our reason to work out what is ‘right’

Question 16

Lex

Answer 16

Natural Law is to be unquestioningly obeyed

Question 17

Ius

Answer 17

that it is for guidance, but that we should also use our wisdom when making decisions

Question 18

reflect image of God

Answer 18

Aquinas argued everything was designed to reflect the image of God. I.e out purpose was the pursue perfection, which we will finally achieve in heaven

Question 19

Abortion, Homosexuality and contraception

Answer 19

all interfere with the primary precepts

Question 20

Marriage

Answer 20

is a good thing as it leads to reproduction and assists the smooth running of society

Question 21

CAFOD

Answer 21

distributing condoms to prevent the spread of AID’s