Primary And Secondary Precepts

Question 1

What are primary precepts ?

Answer 1

-the 5 Primary Precepts are fundamental principles of NML
-Aquinas believed that they serve as a bridge to accessing God’s “eternal law” and “divine law”, as they reflect the natural order and purpose God has embedded in creation
-Through human reason, individuals can discern these precepts, which guide moral actions in accordance with God’s will

Question 2

Why did Aquinas believe it was important to follow the primary precepts ?

Answer 2

He believed that by living in alignment with these precepts humans fulfill their telos (ultimate purpose), achieving harmony with eternal law and progressing toward the beatific vision, the ultimate union with God.

Question 3

What are the 5 Primary Precepts?

Answer 3

WORLD
1)Worshipping God
2)living in an Ordered society
3)Reproducing
4)Educating Offspring/learning
5)Defending the Innocent / preserve life

Question 4

What are secondary precepts?

Answer 4

-Aquinas believed that from the 5 primary precepts we can derive secondary precepts e.g. we can derive the secondary precept “do not abort”from the law to “preserve life”
-these secondary rules allow flexibility but also preserve the deontological nature of NML