NML (Detailed) Flashcards
deontological
An approach in ethics in which the rightfulness or wrongfulness of an act is judged by how it conforms to duties rules and obligations.
teleological
theory of which the rightness of an act is determined by the end result. Moral goodness is rooted in the consequences of our actions.
eudaimonia
ultimate happiness through union with God.
character based
Aquinas adopted ideas from Aristotle, he believed following the Natural Law could also help develop virtuous character and he focused on the four Cardinal virtues and the three Theological virtues. Being virtuous allows you to reach ‘real’ rather than ‘apparent’ goods.
deductive
if statements are true the conclusion must be true
a priori
something that can be known without sense experience.
absolute rules
must be obeyed, no exception or excemption to primary precepts.
synderesis
innate principle in moral consciousness of every person which directs us to good and avoids evil.
If we apply our god given reason it will lead to right actions.
what is moral obligation
a duty we are ought to perform but not legally bound to fulfil
Beatific vision
Ultimate direct self communication of god to humanity 
give an example of a Deontological statement
It is always wrong to kill no matter what the consequences
Telos
Purpose or end goal
What is natural moral law
A theory that proposes the existence of a law whose content is set by nature. derive from God that therefore has validity everywhere. 
What type of theory is NML
Deductive a priori theory
Starts with primary principles and from these the right course of action in a particular situation can be deduced
How is it a deontological system
Absolute rules
Looking at the intent behind an action in the nature of the act itself not at outcomes
Who are the two biblical backgrounds to study for natural moral law
The stoics
Aristotle
Who were the Stoics
A group of Greek philosophers who came after Aristotle and argue that the universe has a basic design on purpose which human morality should work in harmony with
What did the ancient Stoics emphasise
The importance of logos (Word of God) or rationality that governs the world sees human nature is part of one natural order
Link the Stoics to reason and gods nature
They believe that all humans have a divine spark within them that helps them to live according to gods will
Natural law a law reason
Quote Saint Paul wrote in the letter to the Romans
“Written in the hearts “
Basic beliefs by Aristotle
Natural justice not always the same as law is independent and applies to everyone no matter where they live
Everything has a purpose (TELOS) and supreme good is found when it fulfils purpose.
What did Aristotle believed eudaimonia was
The supreme good for humans
Means happiness and the final goal for humans to reach after living a life of reason
What is human flourishing
Live in life of reason according to virtue
According to Aristotle what Telos/function is peculiar to the life of plants
Life of nutrition and growth