Natural Law

Natural Law Ethics

An ethical theory based on the belief that morality is grounded in human nature, and that natural laws are derived from the nature of God's design.

Telos

The ultimate purpose or end goal of a being as per Aristotelian philosophy, which directs its behavior.

Synderesis

The innate ability of human reason to recognize foundational moral principles.

Eudaimonia

A Greek term meaning ‘flourishing’ or ‘living well’; the ultimate goal of human life according to Aristotle and Aquinas.

Primary Precepts

Basic moral laws that are universal and derived from human nature according to Aquinas.

Secondary Precepts

More specific rules derived from the primary precepts that guide moral behavior in particular situations.

Conscientia

The capacity of reason to apply the primary precepts to specific situations and actions.

Interior Acts

The intentions or motivations behind actions that occur in the mind, as opposed to the exterior acts which are the actions themselves.

Exterior Acts

Physical actions that occur outside a person's mind, distinguishable from interior acts.

Double Effect

A principle allowing for actions that have both good and bad effects, where the good effect can justify the bad under certain conditions.

Proportionalism

An ethical theory suggesting that the morality of an action is determined by weighing the proportional good against the bad effects.

Divine Law

Moral law as revealed by God through scripture, particularly the Bible.

Natural Law

The moral law as understood through human reason based on the nature and purpose of human beings.

Human Law

Legal statutes and regulations created by humans that should align with natural and divine law.

Eternal Law

God’s overarching plan and order for the universe, which is unfathomable to humans.

Aquinas’ Contribution

Aquinas argued that human reason and nature are aligned with God's moral principles, serving as a basis for natural law.

Final Cause

The purpose for which a being exists, fundamental in Aristotelian and Thomistic philosophy.

Intuition of the Good

Aquinas’ belief that humans inherently recognize basic moral truths.

Moral Law

A system or code of conduct based on fundamental moral principles.

Cultural Conditioning

The theory that moral beliefs are shaped by the culture in which people are raised, rather than being innate.

Innate Moral Orientation

The idea that humans are born with an inherent understanding of right and wrong.

Romans 2:14-15

Biblical passage where St Paul indicates that even those without the law demonstrate an innate moral understanding.

Human Flourishing

A state achieved when a person fulfills their natural potential and purpose.

The Fall

The theological concept of humanity’s original disobedience towards God, resulting in separation from divine goodness.

Voluntary Act

An action performed with intention, reflecting the moral character of the individual.

Moral Object

The specific action or behavior that is being judged in terms of its moral goodness or evil.

Idolatry

The worship of something created rather than the Creator, this concept used by Barth to critique reliance on human reason.

Christian Ethics

A system of moral principles derived from Christian teachings and the Bible.

Sola Scriptura

The doctrine that the Bible alone contains the authority needed for Christian faith and practice.

Faith vs. Reason

The debate on whether to rely on faith or human reason for understanding morality and divine truth.

Morally Good Action

An action that aligns with moral principles and has the intention of achieving good.

Intrinsic Evil

Acts that are fundamentally wrong in themselves, regardless of intentions or circumstances.

Human Nature

The intrinsic characteristics, including tendencies and inclinations, inherent in being human.

Murder vs. Killing

The distinction made in moral philosophy where 'murder' is viewed as morally wrong while 'killing' can sometimes be justified.

Autonomy in Ethics

The capacity to make moral decisions independently while engaging with moral laws.

Argument from Authority

The claim that something is true because an authority says it is true, often critiqued in ethical discussions.

Consequentialism

An ethical theory that judges actions based on their outcomes rather than whether they adhere to rules or duties.

Cultural Morality

Moral codes that emerge from societal norms and practices.

Moral Absolutism

The belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged.

Aquinas vs. Barthe

Debate between two theologians regarding the role of divine revelation versus human reason in understanding morality.

Just War Theory

A doctrine that outlines when it is morally permissible to engage in war.

The Sermon on the Mount

A collection of teachings by Jesus which highlights the spirit of the law versus mere rule-following.

Post-Lapsarian Ethics

Ethical considerations made in the context of a fallen world as opposed to a pre-fall ideal state.

Cardinal Virtues

Four virtues viewed as pivotal for living a moral life; prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.

Aristotelian Metaphysics

The branch of philosophy concerning the nature of being, reality, and the principles of existence.

Moral Intention

The motivation behind an action that defines its ethical weight, significant in assessing moral acts.

Social Moral Order

The ethical and moral foundations that underpin societal norms and laws.

Golden Rule

An ethical principle that advocates treating others as one would wish to be treated; found in many moral systems.