NET1: natural moral law Flashcards
what is DEONTOLOGY?
the approach when right and wrong is judged on whether an action follows the rules.
what is TELOS?
purpose or end goal.
what is a MORAL AGENT?
person involved in making ethical decisions.
what is SYNDERESIS?
- the innate principle in us to direct the agent to do good.
- all people have the natural desire to do good and avoid evil.
Aquinas’ view on human nature, purpose and reason?
- Aquinas’ view is inspired by Aristotle’s ideas (he Christianized them)
- natural justice (what is fair) exists everywhere for ALL people.
- everything has a TELOS but its supreme good is found when that telos is fulfilled.
a quote from Aquinas on human nature, purpose and reason.
- “the natural is that which is equally valid everywhere”
- god has written moral laws into nature so EVERYONE can experience them.
what are the PRIMARY PRECEPTS?
- TELELOGICAL
- ABSOLUTE rules that are required to achieve our telos (we should aim to live good lives).
- Aquinas’ first rule = PRESERVATION OF LIFE.
- second = desire to REPRODUCE and care for offspring.
- third = live in SOCIETY
a quote from Aquinas on PRIMARY PRECEPTS.
- “there is a single standard of truth and right for everyone which is known by everyone.”
what are the SECONDARY PRECEPTS?
- rely on PRIMARY PRECEPTS
- things we should/shouldn’t do because they uphold/fail the primary precepts (flexibility in how they are applied).
a quote from Aquinas on SECONDARY PRECEPTS.
- “the natural law is altogether unchangeable in its first laws”
what is meant by “TELELOGICAL”?
- in NML the primary precepts are teleological.
- their aim is to bring complete wellbeing in this life and the next life with God (TELOS).
what is a VIRTUE?
- a quality/trait in a person held to be a moral value.
- eg. honesty, courage, generosity etc.
what is a “REAL” good?
- an action/intention that follows the precepts.
what is CULTRAL RELATIVISM?
- rights and wrongs based on culture
- eg. some people accept polygamous relationships however some people do not based on culture.
what is Aquinas’ view on God-given reason?
- NML gives the opportunity to work towards good in all things however its not always possible because of original sin and humans falling from the state of perfection.
- “since all have sinned and fallen short of all glory of God”.
what is an “APPARENT” good?
- an action/intention that doesn’t follow the precepts.
are “APPARENT” goods intentional?
- some people may follow an apparent good as it seems to be a good action but in reality goes against the precepts and leads us away from achieving our telos.
- eg. Hitler murdering the Jews was an AG as he thought was strengthening society (error of judgement/ misuse of reason).
what is meant by “PRUDENCE”?
- understanding a situation and using PRACTICAL reason to work out what to do.
- practical wisdom.
what are the FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES?
- PRUDENCE (practical wisdom)
- JUSTICE (fairness)
-FORTITUDE (courage)
-TEMPERENCE (self control)
what is the importance of CARDINAL VALUES?
- following them helps reach our TELOS.
- Aquinas argues we must practice these virtues as they are the foundation of NATURAL MORALITY.
what are the THREE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES?
- FAITH (belief in God and what is written in church scriptures)
- HOPE (
