Natural Moral Law Flashcards
What is natural moral law theory?
•Natural Moral Law (NML) is a deontological ethical theory that argues moral principles can be discovered through reason and are rooted in the natural order of the world
•Natural law theory states that everyone has a purpose due to Gods specific design, this purpose can only be achieved and expressed through reason
•As a result, fulfilling the purpose of our design is the only ‘good’ for humans
What did Aristotle say about natural moral law?
(384-322 BCE)
•Aristotle’s philosophy is foundational to NML (he was considered the first)
•He believed that everything in the universe has a telos (purpose or goal) and achieving this purpose is the key to flourishing or “eudaimonia” which translated to human flourishing or happiness
What did Thomas Aquinas contribute to Natural moral law?
•Aquinas developed Natural Moral Law as part of his Christian theology
•He integrated Aristotle’s concept of telos with Christian beliefs about God and divine purpose
•Aquinas argued that humans are created by God with a specific purpose and can use reason to discover moral laws that align with their nature
What 4 laws did Aquinas introduce?
•He introduced the idea of
the eternal law,
the divine law
the natural law
the human law
What is eternal law?
•Eternal law is God’s overarching plan for the universe
What it is divine law?
•Divine law is seen as Moral guidance revealed in scripture (e.g., the Ten Commandments).
What is natural law?
•Natural law is The part of eternal law humans can understand through their reason
What is human law?
•Human law are Rules created by societies to promote the common good, derived from natural law
What are the primary precepts?
•The five primary precepts that reflect the fundamental purposes of human life:
1. Preservation of life.
2. Reproduction.
3. Education of children.
4. Living in an ordered society.
5. Worship of God.
•These precepts are universal and absolute
What are the secondary precepts?
•Secondary Precepts:
•From the primary precepts, humans derive secondary precepts, which are more specific rules
(e.g., “Do not murder” comes from the precept of preserving life).
•Secondary precepts can vary depending on circumstances but must always align with reason and the primary precepts
What is the doctrine of double effect?
•Aquinas introduced the DODE to address moral dilemmas where an action has two effects: one intended and good, and one unintended but harmful.
•For example, giving a terminally ill patient pain relief that unintentionally shortens their life may be morally permissible because the intention is to relieve pain, not to hasten death
What are real and apparent goods?
•Aquinas distinguished between real goods (those that genuinely fulfill human purpose)
• and apparent goods (those that seem good but lead us away from our telos
Strengths of NML
•Universal and Absolute: Provides clear, universal principles applicable across cultures and religions.
•Rooted in Reason: Accessible to all humans, regardless of religious belief
•Focus on Human Flourishing: Encourages behaviors that promote the common good and human development
Weaknesses of NML
•Outdated View of Human Nature: Critics argue that Aquinas’ understanding of human biology and purpose is outdated and not always compatible with modern science.
•Rigid Absolutism: The absolute nature of primary precepts can lead to inflexible and impractical rules
•Subjectivity of Telos: Some argue that the idea of a universal purpose is subjective or culturally biased
•Secular Criticism:Non-religious critics reject the assumption that the universe has a God-given purpose
Application of NML
•Euthanasia: NML opposes euthanasia as it violates the precept of preserving life.
•Abortion: Generally opposed as it conflicts with reproduction and the preservation of life.
•Sexual Ethics: Practices like contraception or homosexuality are seen as inconsistent with the natural purpose of reproduction
