Natural Law Theory: Key Concepts, Moral Principles, and Sexual Ethics

What is the main purpose of natural law theory?

To understand moral precepts based on human nature.

Who is the primary philosopher associated with natural law theory discussed in this module?

Thomas Aquinas.

What does 'natural' mean in the context of natural law according to Aquinas?

It refers to precepts that are naturally known and depend on human nature.

How does Aquinas define a just law?

As an ordinance of reason promulgated for the common good by a competent authority.

What are the four kinds of laws categorized by their purpose?

Eternal law, divine law, natural law, and human law.

What is eternal law?

God's ultimate understanding of good and bad and His plan of governance for the world.

What is divine law?

God's laws revealed to humanity, directing them to their supernatural end.

What is natural law?

The way rational beings participate in eternal law, understood through reason.

What is human law?

Particular developments of natural law created by human reason.

What is the first principle of natural law according to Aquinas?

'Good is to be pursued and evil is to be avoided.'

What are primary precepts in natural law?

General principles for good, such as preservation of life and worship of God.

What are secondary precepts in natural law?

Specific rules about what is good derived from primary precepts.

What does the principle of double effect address?

How to resolve moral dilemmas involving actions that have both good and bad effects.

What is the perverted faculty argument?

An argument stating that certain forms of sexual activity are immoral because they misuse human faculties.

How does Aquinas view philosophical inquiry?

As part of the human good, accessible through the nature of our minds.

What is the significance of understanding human nature in natural law?

It is essential for discovering correct moral precepts.

What is a moral action according to Aquinas' natural law theory?

An action that conforms to the teleologies inscribed within human nature.

What is the relationship between natural law and human law?

Human law must align with natural law to be considered legitimate.

What does Aquinas mean by 'natural inclination'?

The inherent movement of a being toward its proper ends or goals.

What does Aquinas suggest about the completeness of eudaimonia?

True fulfillment is only attained in the presence of God.

What does the term 'cosmic order' imply in natural law theory?

That morality is intertwined with a universal order that humans must respect.

What is the role of competent authority in law according to Aquinas?

Only those with legitimate authority can create and implement laws.

What is the purpose of divine law?

To direct human beings toward their supernatural end.

How does Aquinas differentiate between natural and unnatural actions?

By whether they contribute to the flourishing of human capacities.

What is the significance of promulgation in just law?

A just law must be clearly communicated to those it affects.

What is the importance of reason in the formulation of laws?

Laws must be products of careful and serious deliberation.

What does Aquinas mean by the 'light of intellect'?

The innate understanding of good and evil placed within us by God.

What are natural inclinations?

Natural inclinations are inherent tendencies instilled by God in all creatures to guide them toward flourishing.

How does Aquinas's view of natural inclinations relate to Aristotle's function argument?

Aquinas's view is based on the idea that natural inclinations are functions built into one's nature, such as the function of human reason to discover truth.

What is the ultimate good for humans according to Aquinas?

The ultimate good is the fulfillment of natural inclinations, leading to human flourishing.

What is the first category of natural inclinations?

Inclinations shared with all creatures, including the inclination to preserve one's own being and to nourish oneself.

What does the second category of natural inclinations include?

Inclinations shared with other animals, such as the inclination to engage in sexual activity, nurture offspring, and live in society.

What is the third category of natural inclinations specific to humans?

Inclinations peculiar to human beings, including the inclination to exercise rationality and seek truth about God.

What is the via negativa method in understanding natural law?

The via negativa method illustrates what happens when natural law is violated, making the abstract concept more tangible.

What moral failing occurs when a mother feeds her child only junk food?

The mother violates the child's natural inclination to be nourished and preserve health.

What moral failing is associated with a man abandoning his pregnant girlfriend?

This action violates the natural inclination to nurture one's offspring.

What is the moral failing of a cult leader deceiving young members?

It deprives individuals of their natural end to develop and exercise their rationality in pursuit of truth.

Why does Aquinas argue that suicide is morally wrong?

Suicide violates natural law by contravening self-preservation, harming the community, and usurping God's right over life.

What is the Principle of Double Effect?

It states that under certain conditions, it is morally permissible to perform an action that has both good and bad consequences.

What is the nature-of-the-act condition in the Principle of Double Effect?

The action must be either morally good or indifferent.

What does the means-end condition entail in the Principle of Double Effect?

The bad effect must not be the means by which the good effect is achieved.

What is the right-intention condition in the Principle of Double Effect?

The intention must be to achieve only the good effect, with the bad effect being an unintended side effect.

What is the proportionality condition in the Principle of Double Effect?

The good effect must be at least equivalent in importance to the bad effect.

How does the self-defense scenario illustrate the Principle of Double Effect?

Defending oneself is morally good, the attacker's death is not the means to protect oneself, and the intention is to protect, not to kill.

What does the ventilator scenario demonstrate regarding the Principle of Double Effect?

Assigning a ventilator to one patient is morally good, and the deaths of others are tragic but indirect consequences of scarcity.

What is the good effect in the context of proportionality?

Saving one life without causing additional harm.

What scenario illustrates the violation of the principle of proportionality?

The Healthy Visitor Scenario, where a doctor kills a healthy visitor to save five patients.

What is the nature of the act in the Healthy Visitor Scenario?

The act is murder, which is intrinsically wrong.

What does the means-end condition state?

The killing of the visitor is the means used to obtain the organs, making the good effect dependent on the bad effect.

What is the right intention in the Healthy Visitor Scenario?

The doctor explicitly intends the death of the visitor to secure the organs.

Can proportionality alone justify intrinsically evil acts?

No, proportionality alone cannot justify intrinsically evil acts like murder.

What does PDE stand for?

Principle of Double Effect.

What is the core claim of the Perverted Faculty Argument?

It is morally impermissible to misuse a natural faculty by directing it away from its proper ends.

What does a 'faculty' refer to in natural law ethics?

A natural capacity or power built into human nature, such as vision or reproduction.

How does Aristotle's Function Argument relate to natural law?

The goodness of a thing is determined by how well it fulfills its function.

What is the proper end of the reproductive faculty according to traditional natural law?

Procreation.

What constitutes a misuse of sexual potencies?

Acts that intentionally block, inhibit, or divert the procreative purpose.

What is the difference between intentional frustration and non-achievement of ends?

Intentional frustration is morally wrong, while non-achievement due to infertility is not.

What is an example of intentional frustration in sexual ethics?

A couple using contraceptives to deliberately redirect their reproductive faculties.

How do natural law theorists respond to objections about shaving or cutting nails?

These are not faculties but passive biological features; no misuse occurs.

What is the stance on wearing eyeglasses in relation to natural law?

Eyeglasses enhance the faculty of sight, which is consistent with natural law.

Is voluntary non-use of a faculty considered misuse?

No, choosing not to use a faculty is not equivalent to misusing it.

What does the Healthy Visitor Scenario teach about PDE?

PDE is strict and non-negotiable; violating any condition renders the act morally impermissible.

What does the Ventilator Scenario illustrate about intention and consequences?

Foreseen but unintended harm can sometimes be morally acceptable.

What is the moral implication of treating people purely as means?

It is rejected by natural law as it undermines human dignity.

What is the significance of intention in moral actions according to PDE?

Intention and means matter more than consequences alone.

What does the term 'perverted faculty' imply in natural law ethics?

It refers to the misuse of a natural capacity by directing it away from its proper end.

What is the philosophical foundation of the Perverted Faculty Argument?

It rests on the natural law concepts of proper ends, functions, and human goods.

What is the moral evaluation of an action based on in natural law?

It depends on whether the faculty is used in a way that aligns with its inherent purpose.

What is an example of a morally acceptable non-use of a faculty?

Celibacy, as it does not involve directing the faculty away from its purpose.