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Ethics > Natural Moral Law > Flashcards

Natural Moral Law Flashcards

1
Q

Who is the main scholar in natural moral law?

A

St Thomas Aquinas, a 13th century philosopher

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2
Q

Describe the ethical theory natural moral law

A

An ethical theory that refers to the idea that moral principles can be derived from human nature and the world around us. It suggests by understanding human purpose and reason, we can figure out what is morally right and wrong.

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3
Q

Who was Aquinas inspired by?

A

Aristotle

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4
Q

What did Aquinas think about humans and God?

A

Aquinas thought God made us, and believed that God gave us all the tools to meet him, but knew that many people didn’t even know about God.

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5
Q

What are ‘primary precepts’?

A

The five basic principles that Aquinas defined as being known innately by everyone, and when followed, allows us to live morally.

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6
Q

List the 5 primary precepts

A
  1. Preserve life
  2. Reproduce
  3. Educate the young
  4. Live harmoniously
  5. Worship God
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7
Q

What are ‘secondary precepts’?

A

Actions that we can do to achieve the primary precepts.

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8
Q

Give examples of secondary precepts (aligning with the primary precepts)

A
  1. Do not kill or go to war
  2. Do not undergo an abortion or be in a same sex couple
  3. Free education
  4. Do not steal or lie
  5. Appreciate beauty or go to church
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9
Q

What is Aquinas’ synderesis rule?

A

Do good and avoid evil

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10
Q

What is ‘eudamonia’

A

A Greek term meaning “human flourishing” - fulfilment and happiness. In terms of NML, it refers to the ultimate goal of human life, which is achieved by living in accordance with reason and moral principles.

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11
Q

How does someone reach eudamonia?

A

Pursue good and avoid evil by using human reasoning.

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12
Q

What is the ‘doctrine of double effect’?

A

Some actions have more than one effect - bad and good. If the intention is to do good, then other unintentional effects do not make the action bad. For example, if a doctor is giving a patient pain killers to reduce pain, it is a good intention. However, the continuous giving of drugs may result in a hastened death. The intention of the doctor is not to kill the patient, it is to relieve pain, but the negative unintentional effect is that it hastens the death of the patient.

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13
Q

Give an example of the doctrine of double effect

A

If a doctor is giving a suffering patient pain killers to reduce pain, it is a good intention. However, the continuous giving of drugs may result in a hastened death. The intention of the doctor is not to kill the patient, it is to relieve pain, but the negative, unintentional effect is that it hastens the death of the patient.

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14
Q

What does ‘telos’ mean?

A

End or purpose

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15
Q

What are ‘apparent goods’, according to Aquinas?

A

Pleasures which seem tempting but which do not accord with the primary precepts.

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16
Q

Give an example of an apparent good

A

Adultery or doing drugs

17
Q

What are ‘real goods’, according to Aquinas?

A

Something that is good according to natural law.

18
Q

Give an example of a real good?

A

Reading

19
Q

How did Aquinas believe we could distinguish between real and apparent goods?

A

By using human reason.

20
Q

What did Aquinas think was the final, ultimate goal of human life?

A

Being in God’s presence.

21
Q

What can violate morals and natural law?

A

Human emotion where reason is pushed aside.

22
Q

Give 3 strengths of the natural moral law theory

A
  1. It is clear and straight to the point - it offers baseline rules to follow (the 5 precepts). These act as a common ethical framework, which transcends any cultural or individual differences.
  2. Flexible in some sense - the doctrine of double effect. Takes into account the intention, and not just the bad outcome of an action. Doctor example
  3. Gives weight to humanity - all humans have a ‘telos’ (end/ purpose). Living with the knowledge that they’re here for a reason may guide people to live morally. Also gives a communitive feel - everyone has a purpose so live harmoniously in society. Goal of eudamonia - people want human flourishing so will be moral - human fulfilment.
23
Q

Give 2 weaknesses of natural moral law

A
  1. Rigid - NML offers principles that may not accommodate the complexities of modern dilemmas. Eg. ‘reproduce’, but does not wanting children, or being in a same sex relationship, or having risky pregnancies mean that person is actually being immoral?
  2. Disregards the importance of human emotion - NML uses reasoning to highlight what is right and wrong, but human reasoning can be altered/ disrupted due to human emotion. Usually, out of the two, emotion takes over and makes us violate our morals. Eg. if we see a family member/ friend shoplifting, we may refuse to tell on them because of compassion and loyalty, but we know through our reason that its morally wrong.
24
Q

Give a brief overview of the strengths and weaknesses of this theory

A

Strengths - clear and straightforward, a little flexible and it gives weight to humanity

Weaknesses - rigid and disregards human emotion

25
Q

What exterior and interior acts?

A

Exterior acts are the actual actions you complete, and interior acts are the intention behind them actions.

26
Q

Give an example of contradicting exterior and interior acts

A

Helping an old woman across the street - which is a nice thing to do - but only doing it because you want to impress a girl you like who’s watching.

27
Q

What did Aquinas claim are the 4 tiers of law?

A
  1. Eternal law - God’s plan for the universe
  2. Divine law - the bible
  3. Natural law - the orientation towards the good built into our nature by God
  4. Human law - the laws we make
28
Q

Is natural moral law deontological or teleological?

A

NML is associated with deontological thinking because it emphasises duties derived from human nature.

Ethics (2 decks)

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