Natural Law

What is Natural Law?

A moral theory that suggests everything in the universe has a natural order and purpose (telos), and that humans achieve moral good by living in accordance with this natural order.

Who developed the most well-known version of Natural Law?

Thomas Aquinas, who integrated Aristotle’s philosophy with Christian theology.

What is telos in the context of Natural Law?

Telos means “end” or “purpose.” For Aristotle and Aquinas, everything has a telos, and achieving that telos is the basis of morality.

What is eudaimonia, and how does it relate to Natural Law?

Eudaimonia means "flourishing" or "living well." It is the ultimate end (telos) for human beings, achieved by fulfilling their natural purpose.

How did Aristotle contribute to the concept of Natural Law?

He introduced the idea that everything has a final cause (telos), and that reason helps us understand our purpose.

What are the Four Tiers of Law in Aquinas' theory?

1. Eternal Law – known fully only by God. 2. Divine Law – revealed through scripture. 3. Natural Law – moral law discoverable through reason. 4. Human Law – laws created by societies.

What is the synderesis rule in Natural Law?

“Do good and avoid evil.” It is the foundation of all other moral precepts.

What are the Five Primary Precepts?

1. Preservation of life 2. Reproduction 3. Education of the young 4. Living in an ordered society 5. Worshipping God

What are Secondary Precepts?

Moral rules derived from the primary precepts (e.g., “Do not kill” comes from “Preserve life”) and may allow some flexibility.

What is the Doctrine of Double Effect?

A principle allowing a morally good action that unintentionally causes a bad effect, as long as the bad effect isn’t intended and the good outweighs the harm.

How does Natural Law provide a helpful method of moral decision-making?

It offers clear, rational, and universal moral guidance based on human nature and reason (Aquinas). The fixed primary precepts give consistency and objectivity in ethics.

How does Aquinas' Natural Law suit moral decision-making in Christian thought?

Aquinas harmonizes faith and reason; Divine Law supports and clarifies Natural Law. The theory reflects God's design, aligning moral actions with spiritual purpose (or a “divine essence” as the Stoics say)

Another source of academic support for Natural?

John Finnis expands Natural Law using Aristotle's concept of basic human goods. He supports practical reason as a guide to moral choices, independent of religious belief.

How does the Doctrine of Double Effect support complex moral decision-making?

It distinguishes between intended and unintended consequences. Supported by Joseph Mangan and the New Catholic Encyclopedia, it allows moral flexibility while upholding core precepts.

How can the Doctrine of Double Effect justify killing in self-defence?

If the intention is to preserve life (a primary precept), and the death of the attacker is an unintended side-effect, the act is morally permissible (Aquinas' example of self-defence).

How does Natural Law support the claim "a thing is good if it achieves its telos"?

From Aristotle to Aquinas, goodness is achieving one's purpose. E.g., an eye is good if it sees well; a human is good if they act rationally and morally towards their end (eudaimonia).

Idea of telos and moral realism (supporting the idea of “Divine Essence” in humans)

Yes. It suggests an objective moral order built into the universe. Cicero and the Stoics saw Natural Law as universal and eternal—true law is “right reason in agreement with nature.”

What modern scholar affirms Natural Law’s ongoing relevance?

Hugo Grotius argued Natural Law would apply even without God, implying its moral insights are rooted in human reason and nature, not just theology.

What’s a major challenge to Natural Law's ability to guide moral decisions?

Its absolutism can overlook personal or cultural context (e.g., contraception, abortion (rape)). Critics argue it lacks compassion and nuance in morally complex cases.

What are the limitations of the Doctrine of Double Effect?

It's hard to assess someone's true intention, and note that it can be used to justify morally dubious acts under the guise of good intentions.

Why might the claim “a thing is good if it achieves its telos” be flawed?

Critics like David Hume argue this commits the naturalistic fallacy—deriving an ‘ought’ from an ‘is’. Just because something has a function doesn’t mean fulfilling it is morally right.

What does existentialism say about telos?

Jean-Paul Sartre - No inherent human purpose. Without God, humans have no telos and must create their own values. Existentialism poses that humans are not born with a predetermined purpose; instead, they must define their own meaning and values through individual choices and experiences.

What’s a criticism of Natural Law’s assumption of human orientation to the good?

Humans often act irrationally or selfishly; critics argue that Aquinas overestimates reason and underestimates human weakness or cultural difference.

Is the universe designed with a telos?

Many modern scientists and philosophers (e.g., Richard Dawkins) reject teleology, viewing evolution as undirected. Without a divine designer, telos is a human projection, not reality.

Can Natural Law accommodate non-religious or modern lifestyles?

Critics argue it excludes atheists or non-traditional lifestyles. People prioritising career over reproduction, someone living life in isolation to meditate might be seen as acting "unnaturally" under this model.