RS: Ethics

What is Natural Law?

Largely deontological ethical theory stating that moral principles are derived from nature and human reason, guiding human conduct.

What is Telos?

The ultimate purpose or goal of human life, often associated with achieving the highest good and fulfilling one's potential.

What is Absolutism

An ethical viewpoint asserting that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of context or consequences.

What is Reletivism

An ethical theory that posits that morality is not absolute and can vary based on culture, society, or personal circumstances.

What is Normative ethics

The branch of ethics concerned with establishing how things should or ought to be, often focusing on the moral standards that govern appropriate conduct.

What is Eudimonia

A concept in ethics referring to the highest human good or flourishing, often associated with Aristotle's virtue ethics. It encompasses living well and achieving a fulfilling life through virtue and moral character.

What did Thomas Aquinas say on good and evil

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

What were Aquinas’s 5 primary precepts

Preserve life, Order society, Worship God, Educate the young, Reproduce

What is Aquinas’s theory of Natural law?

Humans have a natural reasoning and are compelled to do good through the 5 primary precepts God has instilled in them

What is Eternal Law?

A law created by God, only known to him, it is his divine plan for humanity, it is unchanging and infallible

What is divine law?

Gods law seen in the Bible. The 10 commandments, Jesus’s teachings. Because it doesn’t provide guidance for every situation, it requires Natural law to fill in the gaps

What is human law?

Laws created by human to govern society, customs and practices. Aquinas saw it as quite a blunt tool because Natural law covers all basis.

What was Aquinas’s way of saying ‘Fuel for sin’?

‘Fomes Peccati’

What is Aquinas’s Syderesis Principle?

The idea that we are directed towards good and away from evil. Real good being the primary precepts

What 2 reasons did Aquinas give for humans doing evil despite the Syderesis Principle?

1. Ignorance to the principle and correct morals

2. We try to pursue ‘Real Good’ but instead we end up committing ‘Apparent Good’ That seems right but actually has negative consequences