OCR A-Level Religious Studies
Religion and Ethics Topic Summary/Revision A3 Sheets
Each sheet contains a summary of the topic with the strengths and weaknesses of each argument including other scholars' views and quotes.
Based on the OCR H573 Specification:
-Natural Law
-Situation Ethics
-Kan...
Natural Moral Law: NML is an absolutist, Christian normative ethical theory which arguably is both How can we know NML?
deontological and teleological. It is founded by Aquinas in "Summa Theologica" which was highly influenced by 1. Through Revelation: Paul's Letter to the Romans-> asks w
Aristotle. "these laws are written into their hearts and conscious" , God's Law
What is NML? creation. God given ability to know right from wrong. God gave 2 la
Includes ethical theories that state there is a natural order in the world that should be followed. Natural order 2. Through Reason: a moral life is a life lived according to r
is determined by supernatural power. Originated in philosophy of ancient Greeks- Aristotle and then developed us that the ultimate telos of human life= fellowship with God. Aquin
by Aquinas. Absolute but not rooted in duty or externally imposed laws, but in human nature and in search of universe and moral law. Every individual has telos. Since moral law
our telos (purpose)-> happiness and fulfilment. Aquinas-> through reason we can discover our telos. Having the same since creation
discovered telos, we can then work out how to achieve it-> understanding God's plan for us built in our nature Real and Apparent Goods
and creation. Aquinas assumes human nature is essentially good. If all humans na
Origins of NML distinction between real and apparent goods: what is actually good
Stoics believed humans had divine spark within them to find out how to live according to the Will of God, to live good supposing it is really good e.g. Eating junk but not real good->
"in accordance with nature". Humans chose to obey laws that govern the universe but need to use reason to aren't. Real goods are in line with the human telos and bring human
understand and obey cosmic laws. Aquinas linked view of cosmic law with Aristotle's view that people have a Interior and Exterior Acts
specific purpose/function. Aristotle believed everything had a purpose and its supreme good (actuality) is With other deontological theories, intentions are important. Aquina
found when it fulfils its purpose. Eudaimonia is the purpose of humans meaning happiness but also flourishing are an ethical action. Actions are only morally good if both interior
and thriving. Aquinas uses these ideas to underpin NML. Aquinas believed our purpose was not "eudaimonia" should give glory to God. Give money to charity to make people like
but as we are made in imago dei, the supreme good is the development of this image. Fulfilment= drawing accordance with their telos, God is glorified.
closer/ fellowship with God. Becoming in his likeness- true happiness found in the afterlife. Doctrine of Double Effect
Thomas Aquinas: 1225-1254 Intention matters-> interior acts are about our motivation. An actio
Born in Sicily-13th century Italian Philosopher. Book: Summa Theologica. Theologian-> making explicit and neutral. Bad effect should not be the means by which the good effe
defending revelation of the creation of the world, salvation of world and future of the world-> contained in to exterior-> self-defence, intention to self-preserve (first PP) not k
Bible and Church teachings. Philosopher-> discovering what kind of place the world is and discover truth Proportionalism
through reason. Bernard Hoose. We live in a fallen sinful world and suggests the be
Aquinas' 4 Tiers of Law perfection. Do best we can, knowing our actions are not always righ
In Summa Theologica- attempts to work out what perfection actually is by examining the reflections of NML wrong but a proportionalist would allow it in certain circumstances
revealed by: Eternal, Divine, Natural and Human Law. carried out. Proportionalism is more compassionate and flexible tha
• Eternal: principle by which God made and controls universe Strengths
• Divine: God's Will and Wisdom is given through the Bible and Church Certainty: absolutist system, source of clear values and moral c
• Natural: moral law built into human nature-> does not depend on reason but used to understand Universal: focus on reason allows it to transcend differences be
• Human: law created by humans coming from God Purpose: emphasis upon the purpose of humanity give people s
Aquinas' Basic Moral Law NML gives concrete reason to be moral and a firm basis from w
"Good is to be done and pursued... And evil is to be avoided" - Synderesis Rule and support for certain core ideas which are popular in modern
Synderesis Rule-> Good is very first thing understood by practical reason and all rational people will pursue another and for one to set standards to be morally superior tha
good as it is why we have been designed by God. Starting point of NML is synderesis rule- do good and avoid NML not as rigid as it appears. PP were unchangeable, SP may c
evil. This innate, God given tendency that all people pursue good and avoid evil, inclinations to do good-> Xn version of NML is seen as a way of combining faith with reas
subject to reason. ability to reason. Morality is arbitrary Will of God and respects
Reason Identifies 4 Cardinal Virtues NML appeals to many people's instinctive conviction that right
• Prudence: wise in practical affairs, discreet, careful in providing for the future convection. Ways in which very different societies comes to sam
• Fortitude: mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty the idea that it is part of human nature to recognise this law th
• Temperance: moderation and self-restraint in action childhood tell us right from wrong.
• Justice: quality of righteousness. Weaknesses
, because they uphold PP. E.g. Suicide is wrong as breaks Preservation. Contraception breaks Reproduction.
Kantian Ethics: is an absolutist, rational, deontological, normative ethical theory which arguably is religious as it 3. 3rd Maxim: Kingdom of Ends-> act as a legisla
made of all people, all of whom are entitled to
postulates God. Immanuel Kant founded this theory as discussed in Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785). It is
everyone else has same human rights as them
a priori and empirically based.
law. "In the Kingdom of Ends everything has e
Immanuel Kant: 1724-1804
Kant's Examples: Deception: Do Not Deceive, Theft: Do
Part of the "European Enlightenment" attempt to get beyond authority and superstition and deal with world on basis of
be lazy, Charity: Do not be selfish, Cruelty to Animals: D
human reason. Influenced by science and in assessment of empirical evidence. "Greatest thinkers of all time". Books :
have a duty to obey.
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