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Summary Natural Law Revision Notes
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This is the whole of Natural Law summarised for easy revision. Includes: key concepts, key theorists, strengths, criticisms, examples. Colour-coded.
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Key:Key words/concepts key theorists Criticisms
Strengths examples
Natural Law -revision
Natural Law is an absolutist theory (the idea that morality, truth or reality is ‘absolute’ i.e., the same
for everybody everywhere and at any time regardless of individual culture, situation or context) that
has been developed by Thomas Aquinas. It holds an objective moral reality and is therefore
absolutist. The theory is also deontological (branch of ethics dealing with moral obligation, duty and
doing the right thing).
Aquinas’ Natural Law relies on the basic understanding that humans innately try to do good and
avoid evil in order to find fulfilment and happiness in life i.e., synderesis rule.
Synderesis rule: the innate principle in the moral consciousness of every person which directs the
agent to good and restrains him from evil.
Aquinas developed the 4 kinds of law:
Eternal law: God’s plan
Divine law: the rules sent to us by God
Natural law: what we observe
Human law: what we write down
Primary Precepts
In order to follow the synderesis rule, Aquinas developed the five primary precepts which are the
foundation of Natural Law.
According to Aquinas these five primary precepts are revealed to us by God.
The five primary precepts are:
1) Self-preservation/preservation of the innocent
2) Continuation of humanity through reproduction
3) Education of children
4) to live in a society
5) worship God
Secondary precepts
Humans then use their reason to apply and fulfil the requirements of the primary precepts into their
everyday life. This application of the primary precepts is known as the secondary precepts.
Examples of secondary precepts:
do not murder- fulfils the primary precept of preservation
Do not abort unborn babies- fulfils the primary precept of preservation and continuation of
humanity
Praying- fulfils the primary precept of worshipping God
Virtues
Aquinas said that there was a link between virtuous behaviour and happiness. These virtues
represent human qualities that paired with reason help us live a moral life. The cardinal virtues are
the fundamental building blocks.
The cardinal virtues are:
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