Natural Moral Law

• The hierarchy is the belief there is a hierarchy of organisms:

  • plants= vegetative
  • animals = sensitive
  • humans = rational
• Aquinas believes humans have the right to use animals however we see fit
• "Although man is of the same 'genus' as other animals, he is of a different species" - Summa Theologica
• Aquinas's view comes from the Bible
• Humans are the only rational beings
• Humans are the only beings to which we should extend concern for their own sake
• Animals have instrumental value only: they exist for human use
• only humans have a final end with God
• "There is no sin in using a thing for the purpose for which it is made"
• "It is not unlawful if a man uses plants for the good of animals, and animals for the good of man"
• The only time when killing an animal is a crime is if it is another person's property