NML

Question 1

Aquinas

Answer 1

We are naturally inclined towards NML
NML-a code existing within the purpose of nature, created by God
Our purpose is to achieve fellowship wth God. To do this we need to do good and avoid evil (follow primary precepts)

Question 2

Aquinas’ 5 precepts

Answer 2

Self preservation 
Continuation of species 
Education 
To worship God 
To order society

Question 3

Use of pure reason (2ndary precepts)

Answer 3

Logically flow from the primary precepts and should be followed
E.g self preservation-do not kill

Question 4

Humans and divine law working within reason

2ndary precepts

Answer 4

Rules supported by humans and divine law. These rules can be ignored or changed in certain circumstance
E.g continuation of species should be polygamy ✔️ but in reality ✖️

Question 5

Doctrine of double effect

Answer 5

When the primary precepts is at risk of being broken, secondary precepts can be compromised
E.g if the mother was going to die- abortion can happen
You have to have the intention to obey the primary precept

Question 6

Strength I

Answer 6

It’s simple and universally applicable guide to morality. We can understand it with our reasoning

Question 7

Weakness I

Answer 7

Kai Neilson argues that there isn’t basic humans nature that runs across ALL societies. He feels the concept of human nature is culturally influenced

Question 8

Strength II

Answer 8

It has some flexibility-doctrine of double effect. Some Roman Catholic views on contraception could be challenged

Question 9

Weakness II

Answer 9

There is no room for consequentionalism or judging an action on the situation. VARDY argues that it’s impossible to apply NML principles to complex ethical issues

Question 10

Strength III

Answer 10

Values such as preservation of life, procreation and social harmony are considered ethically good by most societies

Question 11

Weakness III

Answer 11

GROSCH + VARDY argue Aquinas could be wrong about his deductions between prim and sec precepts. Just because sex leads to babies doesn’t mean it’s the entire purpose

Question 12

Intro-

Answer 12

Deontological (Divine Comnand) and absolutist
Aristotle and stoics-identified natural law which governs humanity and is understood through reason. It points us to Eudaimonia
Aquinas- wanted to align it with Christianity
The rational understanding and following of God’s final purpose

Question 13

Para 1-Primary Precepts

Answer 13

Allows us to achieve ultimate purpose-Union with God
Helps us to do good and avoid evil
Primary precepts
(Self preservation is the most important)

Question 14

Para 2-Secondary precepts

Answer 14

Guidelines/rules that helps us uphold Primary Precepts
Pure reason-logically follows on
Humans law and divine reason-natural law with reason-rules that cannot be reduced by reason alone

Question 15

Para 3-

Answer 15

Doctrine of double effect

Question 16

Para 4-real and apparent good

Answer 16

Because of the fall of man we constantly fall short of perfect. Although we try we can sometimes be mistaken
Real goods-actually good
Apparent goods-things that seem good but isn’t eg alcohol

Question 17

Para 5-proportionalism

Answer 17

There are rules we shouldn’t break unless there’s a proportionate reason to do so (Tillich, Hoose, McCormick identified difference between right and good action)
Right action-may be wrong out of context but is right in situation (stealing to feed or self defence)
Good action-always good (giving to charity)

Question 18

Extra-types of law

Answer 18

Eternal law (gods law) 
⬇️
Divine law (God law written) 
⬇️
Natural law (gods law determined through reason) 
⬇️
Human law

Question 19

Proportionalism

Hoose and McCormick

Answer 19

Hoose and McCormick
Works within the framework of natural law but without the absolutist interpretation
Allows for ontic goods (integrity and justice) which are non-moral but should be taken into account when making a moral decision
The best humans can strive for is a moral compromise-not moral perfection as we live in a fallen works effected by original sin

Question 20

Stoics

Answer 20

A group of moral philosophers influenced by Aristotle and Plato.
All humans have reason which allows us to understand the world around them
Natural law-universal and is understood by human reason

Question 21

Quote

Answer 21

True law is right reason in agreement with nature

Question 22

Interior and Exterior Acts

Answer 22

Aquinas also believed that motivation was important
Exterior act is a good action=helping an old lady across the road
Interior act is to act out of good motivation=helping the old lady across the road so she is not hit by a car