The Key Precept: The Synderesis Rule

Question 1

Natural law may appear to be exclusively about following ? but this fails to recognise the role of reason in ? decision-making that Aquinas is concerned about.

Answer 1

Rules.

Moral.

Question 2

“The ? law is nothing older than the ? of understanding placed in us by God” (Aquinas).

Answer 2

Natural.

Light.

Question 3

“To scorn the dictate of ? is to scorn the ? of God” (Summa Theologica).

Answer 3

Reason.

Commandment.

Question 4

The moral life is one lived by and through ? Reasoning about the common good leads to certain ? being promoted and others being prohibited.

Answer 4

Reason.

Acts.

Question 5

Natural laws are ? Aquinas says natural law is the same for all. There’s a single standard ? and right for everyone, which is known by everyone. This is the ? rule, meaning we must do that which is proper to our end.

Answer 5

Universal.
Truth.
Synderesis.