Natural Moral Law

Question 1

Laws are determined by a supernatural power, meaning that they are (3)

Answer 1

objective, universal and immutable

Question 2

Moral actions are considered to be intrinsically right or wrong, so NML is…

Answer 2

deontological

Question 3

Why is humanity distinct from animals?

Answer 3

Humans have the capacity for reason

Question 4

Who strongly influenced Aquinas here?

Answer 4

Aristotle.

Aquinas’ goal was to marry greek philosophy with Christian theology

Question 5

What are the 2 most important of the 4 causes?

Answer 5

1) Efficient cause (the agent that brings something into being)
2) Final cause (something’s intended purpose/telos)

Question 6

How can we derive the correct laws of nature?

Answer 6

Recta Ratio (right reason)

Question 7

What is Aquinas’ view of the human state of nature

Answer 7

He believed that human nature is essentially good. We may be tempted into sin but we aren’t naturally sinful

Question 8

What is the final goal of life?

Answer 8

Eudaimonia

Question 9

Through the use of reason, we can understand X through Y

Answer 9

We can understand the invisible (God) through the visible (nature)

Question 10

Different levels of law

Answer 10

1) Eternal
2) Divine
3) Natural
4) Human

Question 11

Eternal Law

Answer 11

Principles known only by God who created and controls the universe. Only God knows these and human understanding is just a partial ‘reflection’ of these laws

Question 12

Divine Law

Answer 12

Law revealed in the Bible through Jesus. It is a reflection of eternal law but can only be seen in believers and even then only if God chooses to reveal it

Question 13

Natural Law

Answer 13

As beings are created in God’s image, this is the eternal law written into human nature. It is accessible to everyone but is only accessed by believers through the faculty of reason

Question 14

Human Law

Answer 14

Laws that govern society and should reflect the principles of Eternal law as far as we can understand and apply them. This allows humanity to flourish and fulfil its purpose

Question 15

Revealed Theology

Answer 15

The idea that God reveals some moral laws to us so that we may live a good life

Question 16

If one reasons correctly, which 2 kinds of law will be the same?

Answer 16

Natural law and Divine law

Question 17

Synderesis Rule

Answer 17

Good is to be done and evil is to be avoided (Summa theologica)

Question 18

Fundamental Goods (5)

Answer 18

1) Preservation of Life
2) Human procreation
3) The nurture and education of the young
4) Living in a peaceful and harmonious society
5) The worship of God

Question 19

How can we deduce secondary precepts from the Fundamental Goods?

Answer 19

Phronesis

Question 20

How can we end up doing the wrong thing?

Answer 20

If we reason incorrectly, which is possible in our fallen state

Question 21

What did Aquinas say about the motive?

Answer 21

Both the exterior and interior motive of an action have to be good

Question 22

Cardinal Virtues

Answer 22

1) Temperence (being measured and moderate)
2) Prudence (reflection and practical wisdom)
3) Fortitude (strength of character)
4) Justice (equality and fairness)

Question 23

Why is life sacred?

Answer 23

• It is created by and a gift from God

- We have a unique telos and a capacity for reason

Question 24

Why is a foetus to be considered a person?

Answer 24

It has the same telos as all other humans

Question 25

Whose rights are more important in the issue of abortion?

Answer 25

The baby’s right to life always supersedes the mother’s right to privacy.

Question 26

In what scenario is an abortion permitted?

Answer 26

• Ectopic pregnancy.
• The sanctity of the mother’s life is brought into play here
• Doctrine of double effect

Question 27

What are Aquinas’ views on sex and how do they come into this?

Answer 27

Procreation is the purpose of sex. Even if the baby was unintended, abortion is never right because of this.

Question 28

What about in the case of rape?

Answer 28

• Abortion is not permitted
• Life is still a gift from God
• Same issues apply like the distortion of the telos of the foetus
• it can still lead to a positive thing if the child is born

Question 29

What about if the baby is disabled?

Answer 29

• Abortion not permitted

- Secondary precept of do not abort and do not discriminate on the basis of disability apply

Question 30

What is the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 30

When the baby dies as a secondary consequence of saving the mother’s life. It was not the purpose of the procedure

Question 31

How does Just war theory confuse the issue of abortion?

Answer 31

This seems to justify killing in certain circumstances, which contradicts the absolutist nature of NML on abortion

Question 32

What kind of Sanctity of Life approach does Aquinas take?

Answer 32

Strong sanctity of life

Question 33

What are 4 criterion for a Just War?

Answer 33

1) just cause
2) legitimate authority
3) promote good over evil

Question 34

How do we reach absolute moral principles regarding war?

Answer 34

Reason (recta ratio)

Question 35

Secondary precept from the primary precept of education would threaten conscription. How?

Answer 35

It would restrict their education as they are conscripted before they can finish their education

Question 36

Torture

Answer 36

Could be a good interior act (motivation) but it is always a bad exterior act

Question 37

How can the primary precept of protecting life be invoked to encourage war?

Answer 37

It could be a means of protecting other lives. EG stepping in to prevent genocide