Strengths of NML Flashcards
How can it be seen as rational?
It uses practical reason; it is a common sense approach
Why doesn’t it rely on a belief in God?
It is based on empirical observations of nature
How can it be seen as objective?
Gives us rules that are independent of our natural thought and desires
How can it be seen as providing purpose?
It describes the world as a place of meaning, purpose and values
How can it be seen as flexible?
Allows for secondary precepts that vary according to culture, as they are the practical working out of the primary precepts
What is the benefit of the double effect?
It helps get around the problem of conflicting secondary precepts
How can it be seen as instinctive?
It is in line with our natural instincts and intuitions
How can it be seen as a virtuous ethic?
Focuses on human virtues and excellence - the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude and the theological values of faith, hope and charity
How does it facilitate human thriving?
By helping us achieve things like health, happiness and friendship
Why can it be seen as a more all-encompassing christian ethic?
Because there are issues, like genetics, that are not explored in the Bible
Why can it be seen as preserving human dignity?
It values human life highly
Why can it be seen as conducive to the ‘rights culture’ that exists in contemporary society?
It protects the absolute nature of human rights
How can it be seen as reliable?
Predicting consequences is not reliable. It instead gives us laws that we see throughout all societies
What is the benefit of it being absolute?
Our post-modern, secular society has lost all notion of objective truth and values. Pope Benedict has called this the ‘dictatorship of relativism’
