Natural Moral Law

• What is the Synderesis principle?

  Act in a way that does good and avoids evil
• Who based Natural Moral Law on Aristotle's philosophy?

  Thomas Aquinas
• What is Eudaimonia according to Aquinas?

  Ultimate happiness through union with God
• What does the Principle of Double Effect allow?

  Good intentions can justify bad consequences
• What are the strengths of Double Effect?

  • Adapts to extreme circumstances
  • Resolves deontological problems
  • Allows good intentions with bad outcomes
• What are the weaknesses of Double Effect?

  • Bad consequences still matter
  • Intention can be hard to judge
  • Some argue it doesn't justify actions
• What does Proportionalism prioritize?

  Compassionate outcomes over strict rules
• What are the Primary Precepts according to Aquinas?

  1. Preserve self and innocent life
  2. Reproduce and have children
  3. Educate children
  4. Worship God
  5. Live in an ordered society
• What is a secondary precept?

  Specific rules derived from primary precepts
• What are the strengths of Natural Moral Law?

  • Establishes universal rules
  • Supports human rights and equality
  • Provides moral guidance through reason
• What are the weaknesses of Natural Moral Law?

  • Reason is not universal
  • Outdated views on morality
  • Assumes belief in God
• What does Aquinas argue about theft in extreme need?

  It is not theft if life is at stake
• What does Aquinas say about non-malicious lies?

  They can be acceptable in certain situations
• How does Aquinas view animals in relation to humans?

  Humans are above animals in the hierarchy
• Who argues that animals can help humans reach Eudaimonia?

  Aquinas
• What does Aquinas believe about animals in relation to humans?

  They can be used to help humans
• How does Aquinas' Catholic background influence his view on animals?

  It supports the theory of dominion over animals
• What common pastime might Aquinas allow due to his context?

  Blood sports
• Why might Aquinas oppose scientific uses of animals?

  It goes against God's intended order
• What is Natural Moral Law (NML)?

  • Ethical theory based on human nature
  • Emphasizes moral absolutes
  • Aligns with divine law