Natural Moral Law Flashcards
Who came up with Natural Moral Law?
Thomas Aquinas
What is Natural Moral law?
There is an objectively ideal way to be human- humans are given a moral compass by God to pursue good and avoid evil
What does synderesis mean?
The innate principle in the moral consciousness of every person which directs a person to good and restricts them from evil
How must humans decide what is good and bad?
Use their reason (we all have this innate ability)
What are the Five primary precepts? (basic goods)
1) preserve life
2) to reproduce
3) to live in an ordered society
4) to learn
5) to worship God
What are primary precepts?
Happen following the primary precepts, eg do not murder as we are supposed to preserve life
How does Aquinas view human nature?
Essentially good: however there are ‘real’ and ‘apparent’ goods
What are the four tiers of law?
-Eternal law
-Divine law
-Natural moral law
-Human law
What is eternal law?
The designers (Gods) plan for the universe, In the mind of God
What is divine law?
The law of God revealed through scripture
What is human law?
Customs and practices of society
What are the four cardinal virtues? and what do they mean?
-Prudence: practical reason
-Temperance: practice of controlling your actions
-Fortitude: courage in pain or adversity
-Justice: governs human relationships
What is the doctrine of double effect?
The action itself is not good or bad but neutral until the intention is clear
What is casuistry?
Applying principle to individual cases
Who inspired Aquinas?
Aristotle
