Natural Moral Law Flashcards
Natural Law
1) moral law of how humans should behave- is understood by reflecting on human nature and rationally working out what leads to happiness.
2) the theory that an eternal absolute moral law can be discovered by reason.
is universal everywhere
Aristotle and Aquinas
Primary Precepts
fundamental principles of NML (natural moral law)
Secondary Precepts
these are worked out from primary precepts
The Doctrine of Double Effect
it is possible for some actions to have two effects, one which upholds the precept and the other that doesn’t i.e. self defence/abortion is right if I am going to preserve life
St Thomas Aquinas
1225 - 1274
born at Roccasena, Italy
a Dominican friar best known for 2 great Summas
attempted to rethink Christianity, in the light of Aristotelian learning.
NML
Natural Moral Law
Descriptive Laws
stating what is scientifically, factually the case
Prescriptive Laws
recommending a particular way of behaving, based on what one ought to do.
Laws of Nature
universal laws of science understood by analysing the physical world.
Key to the ‘Law’ is purpose
a law is made important by its function
Purpose
the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists
Telos
an ultimate end. the end or purpose to something.
Synderesis Rule
‘do good and avoid evil’
What are the 5 primary precepts of NL?
protection of life, reproduction, education, worshiping God, taking care of (order in) society,
What is the acronym used to remember the 5 primary precepts of NL?
PREGS
Protection, Reproduction, Education, God, Society
Prudence
not only consideration of reason, but also application to action, which is the goal of practical reason. (ST)
What does prudence include? (3)
understanding, judgement and good deliberation.
What did Aquinas think reason identified with? (Natural virtues)
prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice
Casuistry
the process of applying NL principles to specific situations. logical.
What are the four conditions for the Doctrine of Double effect?
- we do not wish evil effects and make all reasonable efforts to avoid them
- the immediate effect is good
- the evil is not made a means to obtain good (not done to get something out of it)
- the good effect must be as important, if not more, than the sacrifices.
Human Law
everyday rules that govern our lives from the legal system, or simple signs such as ‘do not touch, wet paint’
What are the followers of NML called?
Thomists
Strengths of NML
rational, absolute, conflicting rules explained by DoDE, doesn’t require God, objective, flexible, instinctive, human rights, thriving
Weaknesses of NML
requires God, too simplistic, immoral outcomes, purpose, human intention, cultural relativism, conflicting rules, no clarity, unreliable, human nature is too optimistic, inflexible.
