NML

Question 1

List the three Normative Ethical Theories

Answer 1

1) Deontology - DEON (duty) We should always focus on the right action
2) Teleological - TELOS (end / purpose) We should always focus on the consequences
3) Character based - focus on ‘what kind of person I should be? ‘ rather than ‘what should I do?’

Question 2

what is moral duty?

Answer 2

MORAL OBLIGATION.
Duty which one owes, and which they ought to perform, but are not legally bound to fulfil.

Question 3

what is Natural Moral Law (NML)?

Answer 3

Based on Aristotle teleology; the idea that everything has a nature which directs it towards its good end goal.

Question 4

who is Aristotle?

Answer 4

• key scholar.
• Ancient Greek philosopher and scientist.

Question 5

According to Aristotle, what is the supreme good for humans?

Answer 5

EUDAIMONIA = human flourishing = life of reason in accordance

Aristotle believed that eudaimonia was the final goal for humans, which could be reached from living a life of reason.

“The natural is that which everywhere is equally valid.. that which is natural is unchangeable”

Question 6

who is St. Thomas Aquinas?

Answer 6

Catholic Theologian & Philosopher

• was strongly influenced by ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle and used these ideas to further develop the Natural Law.
• believed that faith must be grounded in reason
• believed human can use God-given reason to make moral decisions.

” The light of reason is placed by nature in every man, to guide him in his acts towards his end. “ (AQUINAS)

Question 7

what is Natural Law Theory?

Answer 7

• Natural Law says that everything has a purpose, and mankind was made by God with a specific design in mind.
  This purpose can be known through reason.
• As a result, fulfilling the purpose of our design is the only ‘good’ for humans.
• It’s a deontological theory, focusing on duties and the intent behind an action and not its outcomes.

Question 8

List the FOUR Causes:

Answer 8

1. Marital Cause
2. Efficient Cause - what get things done
3. Formal Cause
4. Final Cause - the goal or end purpose

For Aquinas, whatever promotes the final cause is right, whatever goes against it is wrong.

Question 9

List Aquinas’ 4 types of laws:

Answer 9

• Eternal law = laws that exist within creation because God put them there
• Divine law = revealed principles of morality from God e.g message of the Bible
• Natural moral law = God’s eternal law that humans can understand through the application of reason
• Human law = formulated by humans, based on the above 3 types of law