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Summary Natural Moral Law Revision Notes
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Detailed notes on the theory of Natural Law.
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NATURAL MORAL LAW Ethical theory which considers something moral if it “fulfils God’s plan for creation.”
“Humans acting in a way that is in accordance with God’s paln for them” – Thompson
Deontological – focuses on moral duties and actions rather than consequences.
Moral absolutes – rules that cannot be broken under any circumstances.
Origins and Development
Aristotle – “everything has a purpose.” If things do not fulfil their “final cause,” then they
cannot be considered morally good.
“A good knife is one that cuts well: that’s what it’s designed to do.”
“That which is natural is unchangeable and has the same power everywhere, just as fire
burns both here and in Persia.”
Cicero – Roman lawyer who referred to universal standards of behaviour which were
applicable to all people at all times.
The Stoics – Greek philosophers who believed “there was a fundamental design and
purpose to the universe, and one that’s morally ought to be based on aligning oneself
with it.”
Aquinas – developed natural law into an ethical theory.
“Our purpose is to live life according to God’s plan for us.”
“There is a moral code to which human beings naturally incline.”
Actions intrinsically right or wrong.
Primary Precepts
1. To reproduce
2. To learn and educate children
3. To live in an ordered society
4. Self preservation and preservation of the innocent
5. To worship God
[PREGS]
Aquinas – “do whatever conserves human life and opposes death.”
Secondary Precepts
Follow from obedience to the primary precepts.
Can be interpreted in context of situation.
1. Primary precept – to reproduce
2. Secondary precept – sexual intercourse must lead to possibility of child.
3. Homosexuality, masturbation, contraception then immoral
The Role of Human Reason
Thompson – “the ability of humans to direct themselves and therefore take
responsibility for knowing and doing what God intends for them.”
Reason is therefore our built-in sense of right and wrong.
Needed to supplement scripture when dealing with moral decisions
Affected by cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice)
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