Philosophy & Ethics - Natural Moral Law

Question 1

Who was Aquinas?

Answer 1

Aquinas was an Italian priest

Question 2

Why did Aquinas reason that the ultimate end cannot be found in this world?

Answer 2

• everything is impermanent and not eternal

Question 3

what is meant by the greatest happiness/ final end of humanity/ heaven?

Answer 3

eudaimonia

Question 4

What are the four tiers of law?

Answer 4

1. The Eternal law
2. The Divine law
3. The Natural law
4. The Human law

Question 5

what word means ‘do good and avoid evil’

Answer 5

Synderesis

Question 6

What is meant by eternal law?

Answer 6

• this is the absolute and eternal part of natural law
• God plants the eternal low in everyone’s rational soul

Question 7

what is meant by divine law?

Answer 7

• God sends out information about this eternal law through the second law- divine law
• this means the commands and teachings of divine revelation usually found in the bible, this includes the commandments etc
• this sacred scripture, revealed by God, is teaching humans how to live

Question 8

what is meant by natural law?

Answer 8

• natural law allows humans to perceive the eternal law through the application of human reasoning

Question 9

what is meant by human law?

Answer 9

• human law is our response to these messages from God in reason and in revelation

Question 10

what are the 5 primary precepts?

Answer 10

1. worship God
2. ordered society
3. reproduce
4. learn
5. defend the innocent

Question 11

what is meant by secondary precepts?

Answer 11

• practical applications of the primary precepts to specific situations

Question 12

what is an example of a secondary precept for worship God?

Answer 12

• go to church
• pray
• follow Gods rules

Question 13

what is an example of a secondary precept for ordered society?

Answer 13

• “do not kill”
• “do not steal”
• “be polite”

Question 14

what is an example of a secondary precept for reproduce?

Answer 14

• “be fruitful and multiply”
• have children no matter the circumstances

Question 15

what is an example of a secondary precept for learn?

Answer 15

• expanding your knowledge
• go to school
• teach your kids

Question 16

what is an example of a secondary precept for defend the innocent?

Answer 16

• ” do not kill”
• have morals
• dont speed

Question 17

what is the difference between real and apparent goods?

Answer 17

real goods are those that are in accordance with the primary precepts whereas apparent goods are things that tempt us because they seem enjoyable, but which do not further the aim of promoting human flourishing.

Question 18

what is meant by the doctrine of double effect?

Answer 18

• the doctrine of double effect is a principle whereby some actions produce two results, one good and one bad.