Natural Moral Law

Question 1

Natural Law

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Primary Precepts

Answer 2

fundamental principles of NML (natural moral law)

Question 3

Secondary Precepts

Answer 3

these are worked out from primary precepts

Question 4

The Doctrine of Double Effect

Answer 4

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

Question 5

St Thomas Aquinas

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

NML

Answer 6

Natural Moral Law

Question 7

Descriptive Laws

Answer 7

stating what is scientifically, factually the case

Question 8

Prescriptive Laws

Answer 8

recommending a particular way of behaving, based on what one ought to do.

Question 9

Laws of Nature

Answer 9

universal laws of science understood by analysing the physical world.

Question 10

Key to the ‘Law’ is purpose

Answer 10

a law is made important by its function

Question 11

Purpose

Answer 11

the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists

Question 12

Telos

Answer 12

an ultimate end. the end or purpose to something.

Question 13

Synderesis Rule

Answer 13

‘do good and avoid evil’

Question 14

What are the 5 primary precepts of NL?

Answer 14

protection of life, reproduction, education, worshiping God, taking care of (order in) society,

Question 15

What is the acronym used to remember the 5 primary precepts of NL?

Answer 15

PREGS
Protection, Reproduction, Education, God, Society

Question 16

Prudence

Answer 16

not only consideration of reason, but also application to action, which is the goal of practical reason. (ST)

Question 17

What does prudence include? (3)

Answer 17

understanding, judgement and good deliberation.

Question 18

What did Aquinas think reason identified with? (Natural virtues)

Answer 18

prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice

Question 19

Casuistry

Answer 19

the process of applying NL principles to specific situations. logical.

Question 20

What are the four conditions for the Doctrine of Double effect?

Answer 20

1. we do not wish evil effects and make all reasonable efforts to avoid them
2. the immediate effect is good
3. the evil is not made a means to obtain good (not done to get something out of it)
4. the good effect must be as important, if not more, than the sacrifices.

Question 21

Human Law

Answer 21

everyday rules that govern our lives from the legal system, or simple signs such as ‘do not touch, wet paint’

Question 22

What are the followers of NML called?

Answer 22

Thomists

Question 23

Strengths of NML

Answer 23

rational, absolute, conflicting rules explained by DoDE, doesn’t require God, objective, flexible, instinctive, human rights, thriving

Question 24

Weaknesses of NML

Answer 24

requires God, too simplistic, immoral outcomes, purpose, human intention, cultural relativism, conflicting rules, no clarity, unreliable, human nature is too optimistic, inflexible.