Natural Law

• What does natural moral law theory state?

  Morally good behavior is natural for humans
• Why is it important to define natural moral law at the beginning of an essay?

  To clarify the theory being discussed
• What is an example of a natural but morally neutral action?

  Blowing one's nose
• What are some reasons philosophers believe moral behavior is natural?

  God created humans, reason pervades the universe, Darwinian evolution
• What are the three historical phases of natural moral law theory in Western thought?

  Ancient natural law, Aquinas's theory, Grotius's theory
• Who is primarily focused on in A Level studies regarding natural law theory?

  Thomas Aquinas
• What is Aristotle's significant work on ethics called?

  Nicomachean Ethics
• What does Aristotle believe is biologically built into a person?

  A stable notion of justice
• What is the Telos according to Aristotle?

  Purpose or goal of a human being
• How does one achieve Eudaemonia according to Aristotle?

  By cultivating virtues like generosity and courage
• What does Aristotle mean by "political animals"?

  Humans are social beings needing community
• How does Aquinas's view of Telos differ from Aristotle's?

  Aquinas believes it involves fellowship with God
• What is Aquinas's view on human nature?

  We share a common human nature created by God
• What does sin represent for Aquinas?

  A departure from natural law
• What are the four tiers of law in the universe according to Aquinas?

  Eternal Law, Divine Law, Natural Law, Human Law
• What is Eternal Law?

  God's will and principles controlling the universe
• What is Divine Law?

  Law enshrined in scripture, like the Bible
• What is Natural Law according to Aquinas?

  The moral law of God discoverable through reason
• What is Human Law also known as?

  Positive Law
• How does Aquinas view the relationship between reason and natural law?

  Natural law is indirectly dependent on God through reason
• What are the four Cardinal Virtues according to Aquinas?

  Fortitude, Justice, Temperance, Prudence
• What are the three Revealed Virtues?

  Faith, Hope, Charity
• How does Aquinas's view on human goodness differ from Augustine's?

  Aquinas believes humans can know good despite sin
• What does Aquinas believe about the use of reason?

  It enables everyone to live a virtuous life
• What are subordinate purposes (Teloi) according to Aquinas?

  Purposes that help achieve the ultimate Telos
• What does Aquinas prioritize in moral decision-making?

  Motives over consequences
• How does Aquinas view the relationship between virtuous acts?

  Virtuous acts lead to more virtuous acts
• What does Aquinas suggest about training oneself to perform good actions?

  Good actions will come naturally over time
• What is the ultimate purpose (Telos) for humans according to Aquinas?

  Blessed supernatural union with God
• What are the subordinate purposes that help achieve the ultimate Telos?

  Reproduction, just society, learning, Christian worship
• How does Aquinas view the relationship between good motives and consequences?

  A good motive cannot excuse disastrous consequences
• What does Aquinas believe about the nature of good actions?

  They are natural and should come naturally
• What are the subordinate purposes mentioned in the text?

  Reproduction, society maintenance, learning, worship
• Why are subordinate purposes important in Aquinas's view?

  They help provide a just society
• What does Aquinas prioritize in determining a good action?

  Motives over consequences
• Can a good motive excuse disastrous consequences according to Aquinas?

  No, it cannot excuse disastrous consequences
• What did Aquinas agree with Aristotle about virtuous acts?

  They lead to more virtuous acts
• How can one live a truly good life according to Aquinas?

  By training to perform good actions
• What is the Key Precept in Aquinas's moral theory?

  Do good and avoid evil
• What are the Five Primary Precepts according to Aquinas?

  • Preservation of life
  • Ordering of society
  • Worship of God
  • Education of children
  • Reproduction