Natural Moral Law Flashcards
NML brief overview
Deontological
Aristotle(reason) + Bible(revelation)= Aquinas’ NML
synderesis- do good, avoid evil
Primary precepts
Worship God
Ordered society
Reproduce
Learn
Defend life
primary precepts are teleological
Aquinas said the end goal of life on earth is human flourishing, Eudaimonia
Secondary Precepts + example
Come from the primary precepts. they are specific examples of how we should live in accordance to the primary precepts
example:
Defend life.
Secondary precept- abortion
4 conditions which judge an action as good or bad
nature of the act- must be morally good
The means/end condition- the bad effect must not be the reason the good is done
Right intention condition-Bad effect must be unintentional, intention must be only to achieve the good act
Proportionality- The good effect must be at a minimum, equal to the bad effect.
Four fold division of law
Eternal law: god is creator, his law is what is right
Divine law: law from the bible and church
Human Law: By understanding NML, we can formulate human laws, legal systems
Moral Law: Human reason helps us understand right and wrong
NML on Theft
ordered society
secondary- dont steal
Cardinal virtue of justice condemns stealing
Aquinas says stealing is okay, if its the last resort
Eudaimonia
Human flourishing
Considerations when applying NML
Primary and secondary precepts
Double effect
View of Catholic church
Whether an unusual response is required
What a proportional response is
Double effect
From a moral perspective, if an action is done that has a negative by-product, all that matters is the intention of the initial action
NML on lying
ordered society
Do not lie is a biblical commandment
telling the truth follows courage and justice
“Lying is the most direct offence against the truth”
Beatific vision
The ultimate, direct, self-communication of God to humanity.
Humanity’s collective telos is the beatific vision
What precepts does IVF break
Worship God- IVF is viewed as “playing God”. Sanctity of life- only God gives and takes life
Reproduction: it is wrong to separate procreation from sex
Ordered society: May pose a threat to marriage and family harmony- removes physical bond of husband and wife
