Natural Law

Aquinas's view on reason's ability to discover truth after the Fall

Aquinas believed reason can still discover truth, despite the Fall.

The role of reason according to Aquinas

Reason is a gift from God that helps humans comprehend eternal law.

Innate ability to understand good and evil

Human beings have the innate ability to understand what is good and what is evil.

Primary precept of natural law

Includes the promotion of social harmony and justice.

Definition of natural law

The part of eternal law that pertains specifically to human conduct and can be discovered through reason.

Erroneous conscience culpability

Not always culpable; ignorance can excuse guilt if it is invincible.

Hierarchy of law according to Aquinas

Eternal law is the highest form of law, and human law is changeable.

Precept of procreation and education

Emphasizes the responsibility towards family and nurturing future generations.

Relevance of Aquinas's natural law theory today

Its principles are still applied to modern issues like artificial intelligence and genetic engineering.

Aquinas's definition of moral virtues

Habitual and firm dispositions to do the good.

Influence of Aquinas's natural law theory

Has influenced Catholic Social Teaching, particularly regarding social justice issues.

Principles of natural law according to Aquinas

Derived from the inclinations common to all human beings.

Subjectivity of moral principles in natural law theory

Moral principles are objective and universal.

Nature of natural law

A moral law written by God into nature.

Aquinas's view on education

Focuses on the education of children and moral development.

Moral standards in natural law

Natural law principles are unchanging and universal.

Unintended side effects in moral evaluation

Considered under the principle of double effect.

Fundamental principle of natural law

Good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided.

Role of reason in moral knowledge

Essential for discovering moral knowledge.

The Summa Theologica

Considered Aquinas’s most influential work in theology and philosophy.

Eudaimonia according to Aristotle

Means flourishing through virtue, not material success.

Aquinas's work in contemporary ethical debates

Remains a vital reference point for moral reasoning and public discourse.

Mortal sins

Grave offenses that sever the relationship with God.

Acceptance of Aquinas's natural law theory by atheists

Its theistic foundation may conflict with atheistic beliefs.

Secondary precepts of natural law

Can vary based on context and are not universally binding.

Integration of faith and reason in Aquinas's philosophy

A key aspect of his philosophical contributions.

Prudence in natural law

Necessary virtue for applying the secondary precepts of natural law.

Moral laws according to natural law theory

Are objective and grounded in human nature.

Doctrine of double effect

Permits actions with unintended bad effects under strict conditions.

Nature of natural law theory

An absolute theory that can be altered by human reasoning through secondary precepts.