Natural Moral Law Flashcards
What are the key features
Absolute- not focussed on duty it's flexible Interested in human purpose Primary precepts Secondary precepts Casuistry- primary becomes secondary Apparent/real goods Interior/exterior acts Doctrine of double effect
What is aristotles final cause
Refers to the purpose of an object
Humanity- seek general all round well being
Everything has a purpose
God does not have one meaning depends on the purpose of the thing talking about
Can work out final cause using reasoning
What is absolute
Not based on duty and is found in our human nature
Ideal way to be human
Aquinas nml
Universe is created by God so has a purpose
Humanity is given reason and freedom to chose to follow God
All humans can perceive nml but only true believers understand it
What are the five primary precepts
Worship God Ordered peace society Reproduce Learning and education Defend the innocent
What are secondary precepts
Gain them from primary precepts
‘Do good avoid evil’
What are the four laws
Eternal- gods will and wisdom
Divine- given from scripture and church
Natural- fulfilling ones purpose
Human-derived
Strengths of nml
Reasonable as the basic principles are common factors of most societies and cultures
Concentrates on human character and their potential to flourish rather than whether an act is right or wrong
Moral decision- making is rational approach using practical reasoning and common sense
Weaknesses of nml
Often considered too simplistic as humans don’t have a fixed understanding of human nature
Not easily used when considering complex issues
Relies on an individual’s ability to reason their purpose in life, how to achieve it and what actions will direct them towards it
