Evaluation

• What type of reasoning does Natural Law utilize?

  Practical reason
• How does Natural Law define its rules?

  Independently of individual thoughts
• What does proportionalism in Natural Law allow?

  Variation of secondary precepts
• What does Natural Law suggest about the world?

  It has meaning, purpose, and values
• How does Natural Law accommodate cultural differences?

  By allowing secondary precepts to vary
• What is the Double Effect principle in Natural Law?

  It resolves conflicts of secondary precepts
• What does Natural Law focus on regarding human character?

  Potential for goodness and flourishing
• Why is Natural Law considered reasonable across cultures?

  Its principles are common in many cultures
• What is a criticism of Natural Law regarding human nature?

  It is too simplistic
• What immoral outcomes can arise from Natural Law?

  Spread of AIDS and overpopulation
• What assumption does Aquinas make about Natural Law?

  It assumes belief in God
• What does Natural Law assume about the purpose of things?

  All things have one specific purpose
• How does science challenge the idea of purpose in Natural Law?

  Through evolution and natural selection
• What fallacy does GE Moore associate with Natural Law?

  Naturalistic fallacy
• What does Natural Law depend on for defining good?

  Assumptions about the world
• How does Natural Law view the laws of nature?

  As impersonal and blind
• What criticism does the Double Effect principle face?

  It introduces consequentialism indirectly
• What is a criticism of Natural Law regarding human nature's view?

  It is too optimistic
• Which philosophers disagree with Natural Law's optimistic view of human nature?

  Augustine and Calvin
• What are the advantages of Natural Moral Law?

  • Rational: Uses practical reason
  • Objective: True independently of thoughts
  • Allows proportionalism in secondary precepts
  • Purposeful: World has meaning and values
  • Flexible: Secondary precepts vary by culture
  • Double Effect: Resolves conflicts in morality
  • Focuses on human character and goodness
  • Common principles across cultures
• What are the disadvantages of Natural Moral Law?

  • Too simplistic: No fixed human nature
  • Can lead to immoral outcomes
  • Assumes belief in God
  • Assumes specific purposes for all things
  • Science explains purpose through evolution
  • Commits naturalistic fallacy
  • Based on assumptions about the world
  • Views laws of nature as impersonal
  • Double Effect introduces consequentialism
  • Too optimistic about human nature