NL Pros And Cons

Question 1

Strength: Universal

Answer 1

NL is a universal law.

Allows a clear cut approach to morality, with clear rules.

Question 2

Strength: Right Reasoning

Answer 2

NL is supposedly based upon right reasoning.

Allowing all humans to follow.

Question 3

Strength: Flexibility

Answer 3

The secondary precepts allow flexibility.

They’re more vaguely stated, with exceptions allowed for each law.

Question 4

Strength: Not reason alone

Answer 4

Moral decision making is not left to reason alone.

Phones is is also used.

Question 5

Strength: Purpose of morality?

Answer 5

The purpose of morality eudaemonia.

Human flourishing in accordance with with human nature.

Question 6

Weaknesses: Relies on reason

Answer 6

Natural Law relies too much on reason when human nature is corrupt.

Question 7

Weaknesses: Too absolutist

Answer 7

Natural law is too absolutist and too legalistic.

Morality is more complex than simple labelling things as right or wrong.

Question 8

Weaknesses: Commits Naturalistic Fallacy

Answer 8

G.E.Moore argues we cant move from an ‘is’ to an ‘ought’.

Naturalistic Fallacy - Applying qualities of something within a group to the group as a whole.

Question 9

Weaknesses: Doesn’t solve the problem of applied ethics

Answer 9

Doesn’t solve it.

Question 10

Weaknesses: No commonality

Answer 10

There may be no common natural law.

Meaning slight variation between person to person could result in entirely different ethics.