Natural Law Ethics

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Natural Law Ethics.

What is Natural Law Ethics?

The idea that certain moral principles are inherent in human nature and can be discovered through reason and/or intuition.

Who developed Natural Law into a full-scale ethical theory?

St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), an Italian priest.

What is Human Law?

Laws enacted by humans.

What is Eternal Law?

God’s plan, understood only by God.

What is Divine Law?

God’s revealed word guiding humans to eternal salvation.

What does Natural Law represent?

Human participation in and understanding of Eternal Law.

What is Universal Ethics?

The concept that all humans should follow one natural law.

What problem does Natural Law Ethics solve?

It provides a universal moral standard, countering ethical relativism.

What are the Four 'Goods' of the Principle of Natural Law?

Life, Procreation, Sociability, and Knowledge.

What is the Golden Rule?

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

What is the Pauline Principle?

It is not morally permissible to do evil so that good may result.

What does the Principle of Double Effect state?

It is morally permissible to perform an action with both good and bad effects under certain conditions.

What conditions must be met for the Principle of Double Effect?

1. The act itself is good. 2. The intention is to achieve the good outcome, not the bad. 3. The action does not violate the Pauline Principle. 4. A basic human good is at stake.

What emphasizes the moral correctness in Natural Law Ethics?

The intentions behind actions and principles that determine morality.

How can one evaluate moral actions according to Natural Law Ethics?

By using principles such as the Golden Rule and Double Effect.

What dilemma does Health++ face regarding their new drug?

Whether to release a life-saving drug that may harm a small group of patients due to serious side effects.

How does the principle of double effect apply to Health++'s decision?

It relates to the risk of harm against the potential benefits of saving many lives.