Ethics: Natural Moral Law

What is absolutism?

The belief in unchanging rules of ethics, like Kant and rule utilitarianism.

What is legalism?

Strict application of moral law, sometimes leading to dilemmas or a lack of compassion.

How did Aristotle develop NML?

Believed in an ultimate purpose, which is to achieve human flourishment (eudaimonia)

What is eudaimonia?

Human flourishment.

What is telos?

Ultimate purpose, argued to be unification with God.

How did Aquinas develop NML?

Integrated Aristotle’s teleological approach into Christian theology.

What are the Biblical foundations of NML?

Aquinas connected it to Christian teachings like Paul suggesting morality is “written on human hearts” suggesting it is innate.

What were Aquinas’ 4 laws?

• Eternal law

• Divine law

• Natural law

• Human law

Outline Eternal Law

God’s eternal wisdom governing the universe

Outline Divine Law

Revelations providing guidance (10 commandments for example)

Outline Natural Law

Morality through reason, inherent in humans

Outline Human Law

Societal laws based on moral principles

What is a ‘primary precept’?

Unbreakable laws, fundamental and based on human nature.

Give the 5 primary precepts

• Preserve life

• Reproduce

• Educate the young

• Live in society

• Worship God

What is a ‘secondary precept’?

Off-branches of primary precepts, practical/direct application. For example ‘no killing’ is based on ‘preserve life’

What is proportionalism?

A challenge to strict legalism in NML, believes they are guidelines not actual rules.

Who came up with proportionalism?

Bernard Hoose

What are 2 example of proportionalism?

• Just War theory- Killing is wrong but can be justified in certain circumstances.

• Euthanasia debate

Give 4 strengths of NML?

• Objective

• Applicable

• Recognises the sense of human purpose

• Compatible with religious ethics

Give 4 weaknesses of NML

• Inflexible due to absolutism

• Conflicting rules

• Scientific challenges question if morality is innate

• Hypocritical as Aquinas was celibate and so never practised ‘reproduction‘ as per doctrine

What is a major weakness of proportionalism?

Too subjective with no clear rules

What legal changes conflict with NML?

• Same sex marriage

• Abortion

• Euthanasia

What shifting social attitudes conflict with NML?

• Human Right movement conflicts absolutism and promotes free choices.

• LGBTQ+ rights

• Abortion

How is religion compatible with NML?

Much of Catholicism relies on NML and it is based on religious teachings but many Christian theologists (Fletcher) reject it in favour of situation ethics.