Essay
Explain the role of virtues and goods in Aquinas’ Natural Law (20)
- Module
- Philosophy and ethics
- Institution
- PEARSON (PEARSON)
Complete and well written 20 marker full A level essay on virtues and goods linked to Natural Law.
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Explain the role of virtues and goods in Aquinas' natural law (20)St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) in his book The Summa Theologica developed the concept of
Natural Law. Natural law is an ethical system that provides a hybrid approach of both
deontological and teleological aspects. This means that natural law is duty based and focuses
on the outcome of the moral agent's actions and is not just about 'doing what comes naturally"
but is based on nature interpreted by human reason. Like Aristotle, Aquinas concludes that
humans aim for a goal, but for Aquinas it is not Eudaimonia. A virtue means excellence and it is
habitually doing what is right, which is important to help humans live a moral life.
Aquinas, through his study of eternal law identified 'articles of faith'. These are faith, hope and
love that are identified in the Bible (Corinthians), and Fletcher also used this verse as the basis
of Situation Ethics.
These 3 virtues define and direct all other virtues and are absolute. This means that we should
all aim to achieve them as they guide us towards the Beatific vision (state of perfection and
happiness through Supernatural union with God) Also, Aquinas adopted the four cardinal
virtues, that were identified by Plato, which can be achieved through reasoning. Prudence
involves being able to make sound judgment and is the application of 'wisdom concerning
human affairs'. Temperance is self-restraint and taking things into moderation using the Golden
mean to avoid vice of excess or deficiency. Fortitude is about patience and endurance when
faced with difficulties. Justice is how we treat those around us and having a constant recognition
of law. virtues reflect the ethical competency of the sophron (one who is effortless, lives
according to means).
According to Natural Law, humans act in accordance with their nature and final purpose. so
both the intention (interior act) and the act (exterior act) are important. However, Aquinas did
believe that acts were good or bad in themselves and we need to use our reason correctly.
Acting in a good way for the wrong reason is a good exterior but a bad interior act. For example,
helping an elderly lady cross the road (good exterior act) to impress someone(bad interior act),
as it should be done out of charity, not admiration. Good intentions don't always lead to good
actions. For example, if you steal money(exterior) to give to a friend(interior), the theft is not
made good by the intention of helping a friend. The only end Aquinas values is God. He
believes that acts are intrinsically good or bad because humans can act according to their
purpose and shows glorification of God.
Aquinas believed that all humans were mainly good as we are created by God. God had instilled
in all humans, inclinations to behave in certain ways which lead us to the highest good and, by
using our reason we can discover precepts(laws). He believed that actions which were not in
pursuit of good, could be explained as the pursuit of the apparent good. The pursuit of a real
good is a correct use of reason in accordance with natural law and is, therefore, in line with our
purpose. The starting point for Natural Law is by using your synderesis(conscience) which is the
innate, God-given tendency all people have to pursue good and avoid evil. Phronesis is the
concept of practical reason that enables us to make moral choices.
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