Natural Law- Fulfilling our purpose of our design in the only 'good'. Moral good is what God wanted us to do.
Natural Law Theory- Things in nature have nature, things that are unnatural are bad, things are only good if it fulfils its nature. Moral law is the natural law: the law that requires us to act in accordance with our nature.
Natural law is the unwritten law - rules don't have to be said we just know what is right or wrong.
Natural Law is the concept of a body of moral principles that is common to human kind- universal to all. It is recognizable to by human reason alone.
Natural Law tells us that actions are right just because they are natural, and wrong just because they are unnatural. People are good if they live to their true nature, good and right actions are natural.
Summary of Natural Law- 1. it is not made by human beings 2.it is based on the structure of reality and observations found in nature 3. it is the same for all human beings at all times 4.it is an unchanging rule so deontological 5. it is the naturally knowable law, known through reason 6.it is a means by which people everywhere can be enriched
Aquinas- 1225-74
Christian philosopher and theologian
Natural Moral Law explained in Summa Theologica
Describes NML as a moral code existing within the purpose of nature as created by God
Natural Moral Law is-
Absolutist (fixed rules)
Deontological (obligation/duty)
Christian code of ethics used in churches
Basic Goods- 1. Reproduction 2.Avoid offense 3.Shun ignorance 4.Self preservation of life 5.Educate offspring 6.Seek God 7.Live in society
Aquinas believes these are basic good we all want.
Natural Moral Law-By using our reason to reflect on our human nature we discover purpose and having discovered this, we can work out how to achieve it. The understanding of God's plan for us (built into our nature of creation) Aquinas called Natural Law. Fulfilling this purpose of our design is the only good.
Natural Moral Law states that there are certain rights and moral values that can be understood from human nature. These can be deduced by using human reason. God gave us this ability. Use our reason to discover the end goal or purpose of human life.
'is nothing other can than the light of understanding infused in us by God, whereby we understand what must be done and what must be avoided' (Charles Rice) - our ability to reason is a gift given from God
Aquinas argues- Sin clouds our ability to think clearly. Repeatedly doing wrong things makes it easier for us to do it again (habit). As 'sin increases' doing good actions become more challenging. Due to impulse it becomes harder to control bad actions.
Real good- A characteristic that will help people to become closer to the ideal natureGod planned for us to have E.G helping others by being a sociable person
Apparent good- A vice or sin that takes people away from the ideal human nature God planned for us to have E.G doing drugs to be more sociable
Real and Apparent Goods- According to Aquinas, reason can be used in different ways, either rightly or wrongly. Humans can get confused about the difference between real and apparent goods. Even though as humans we may not deliberately do evil, we can pursue apparent goods so be guilty of sin (acting against reason). Human reason must be use correctly (right use of reason). A real good will result in preservation or improvement of self, getting nearer to ideal human. Many apparent goods are pleasurable fall short.
Exterior and Interior Acts- Both intention and the act is important. To act in a good way for the wrong reason is to perform an exterior act but with the wrong/ bad exterior act.
Acts are intrinsically good or bad, Both interior reason and exterior act have to both be good.
Fourfold Division of Law: 1. Eternal Law- Principles God governs , 'blueprint' to the mind and to the life God wants us to live. 2. Divine Law- Refers to the bible that guides us to reach perfection. 3. Natural Law- Part of eternal law that applies to human moral choices and can be known as natural reason. 4. Human Law- Everyday rules that govern us E.G Stop at red lights.
Beatific Vision- Aquinas believes that happiness and wellbeing is inseparable to the Christian view that out goal is union with God in the next life.
Aquinas- 'do good, avoid evil', known as Synderesis rule.
Primary Precepts- 1. Preservation of life 2.Reproduction 3.Education of Children 4.Worship of God 5.Live in an Ordered Society. These must be followed to an exact as it is an absolutist approach.
Primary Precepts: Teleological Aim- 1. Our telos on Earth is happiness (human flourishing), we use reason to understand purpose. 2. Telos of humanity as a whole is beatific vision- complete happiness promised in the next life with God. 3. Telos for humans after death is either individual (based on natural abilities) or union(union with God)
Secondary Precepts- Follow on from the secondary precepts, Whatever promotes the final end of each precept is right and whatever goes against it is wrong. E.G Precept of reproduction means no condoms or Precept of preservation of life means no killing.
Theological Virtues- Given to us by God's grace. 1.Faith- belief in God, understood through scriptures and church. 2.Hope- hope of heaven (being saved) 3.Love- Agape love (selfless). Love that is taught by Jesus, to 'love thy neighbour'
Cardinal Virtues- 1. Prudence- Knowing what is right and what is wrong. Includes reasoning. 2. Fortitude- Being able to endure difficulties and hardships. Gives physical and mental strength. 3. Justice- Being fair and just in all your dealings. Regulates relationships e.g living a rightful time in jail. 4. Temperance- Being able to control your desires and passions.