Natural Law - Key Terms

Question 1

Deontological Theory

Answer 1

Ethical Theory that argues the goodness of an action lies in itself, regardless of consequences

Question 2

Teleological Theory

Answer 2

Ethical Theory that argues that the goodness of an action is determined by whether it has good consequences

Question 3

Eternal Law

Answer 3

God’s will for how the universe is to be, God could have made the universe differently but willed that it and its occupants are of this type

Question 4

Divine Law

Answer 4

That which is revealed by God, e.g 10 commandments. Teaches what our natural reason is capable of knowing, God helps us by codifying that which we could know through reason

Question 5

Natural Law

Answer 5

‘Right reason in accordance with human nature’ can be worked out by considering what is good for human flourishing

Question 6

Human Law

Answer 6

As humans are social animals they must make regulations for human society to be orderly so that people may flourish, must not dictate anything contrary to Natural Law

Question 7

Situationalism

Answer 7

Belief that any moral theory must take notes of the facts in each case before being applied, concerned with applications of the principles not the principles themselves

Question 8

Lex

Answer 8

Latin term from which we derive ‘legislation’. Refers to specific rule or regulation

Question 9

Ius

Answer 9

• Latin term referring to general principle of the law, not specific regulations.
• Sometimes translated in terms of rights and the word from which we derive ‘justice’ in Latin
• Natural law is always Ius

Question 10

Principle of double effect

Answer 10

• An act may have more than one effect, and to be known to have more than one
• What matters is intention
• The aim of the act was not harm but the first good intention

Question 11

Positive Law

Answer 11

The belief that the law does not depend on any wider principle than the authority of those who make the laws or existing codes of the law

Question 12

Real Good

Answer 12

Action that allows one to meet a purpose, dictated by reason. Good will follow from it

Question 13

Apparent Good

Answer 13

Action that flawed reason dictates will allow one to meet a purpose. In fact it will not, and will actually lead to evil

Question 14

Eudaimonia

Answer 14

For Aristotle, a full flourishing of the human person and his abilities - happiness