natural moral law

• NML is rooted in the idea that there is a natural order in the world, created by God, that humans can understand through reason
• NML is seen as universal, unchanging and applicable to all humans, regardless of culture or religion
• primarily linked to AQUINAS - integrated aristotle's concept of purpose with christian theology, suggesting that everything has a specific function and purpose designed by God
• aquinas - four types of law = eternal, divine, natural moral law, human law
• eternal law = god's overarching plan and purpose for everything in the universe, beyond full human understanding
• divine law = law revealed to humanity through scripture
• human law = laws made by humans to govern society, ideally based on principles of natural law
• primary precepts are fundamental principles that align with human purpose and natural human inclinations according to AQUINAS
• 1. preservation of life
  2. reproduction
  3. education of offspring
  4. live in society
  5. worship god
• secondary precepts = specific rules derived from primary precepts - adapted to particular circumstances