Natural moral law

Question 1

Natural law - introduction

Answer 1

System of ethics based on the teachings of Aquinas and the principle that there is such thing as human nature that we should live by.
Deontological - An absolute system of rules

Question 2

Natural law - Telos (ultimate end)

Answer 2

> Aquinas - used thinking of Aristotle to develop his own ideas around ethics
Something is good if it fulfils its purpose
People aim to reach eudaimonia (happiness and flourishing)
Moral acts come from free, rational beings
God should be the ultimate ‘end’ or purpose for human life - being in the presence of God is the human ‘telos’
People need help from God in order to direct their motives and actions

Question 3

Natural law - Four tiers of law

Answer 3

1. Eternal law - unchanging reason from God, absolute for all people, highest form of law
2. Divine law - commandments given by God, usually found in the Bible, teaching people how to live
3. Natural law - people can perceive eternal law by using their reason to reflect on the world and how they should behave and act, God uses natural law to make eternal law accessible to people, universal
4. Human law - laws people come up with in response to the higher tiers of law or in the response to society, lowest tier of law, can be broken if higher forms of law conflict with it

Question 4

Natural law - The precepts

Answer 4

Key precept - Do good, avoid evil (rule of synderesis)
>Worship God
>Live in an orderly society
>Reproduce
>Learn and teach people about God
>Defend the innocent and preserve life
Secondary precepts derive from the primary precepts

Question 5

Natural law - real and apparent goods

Answer 5

Real goods - those which are in accordance with the primary precepts and God’s wishes for humanity
Apparent goods - things which tempt us because they seem enjoyable but which do not further the aim of promoting human flourishing

Question 6

Natural law - ‘Natural’ or ‘cardinal’ virtues

Answer 6

Aquinas identified four ‘natural’ or ‘cardinal’ values that he thought were discovered by reason
>Prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice

Question 7

Natural law - Doctrine of double effect

Answer 7

> Aquinas discusses situations where a single action has two effects
He says that intention is important - if the intention was to do something good then the action cannot be bad
Might be used in cases of euthanasia

Question 8

Natural law - Possible strengths

Answer 8

> Way it is applied can vary widely - allows for consideration of different circumstances
Offers clarity and consistency in its answers
Absolute and applies to all times and cultures
Combines religious ideas with reason
Easy to work out what is right and wrong - helpful system of ethics

Question 9

Natural law - Possible weaknesses

Answer 9

> Way it is applied can vary widely - not always clear what to do
Presupposes a belief in God
Our understanding of what’s natural is not always accurate and not always unchanging
Overly legalistic
The world has changed since Aquinas’ time, some applications may seem inappropriate now