Notes on Natural Law Theory

1.) Natural Law Theory

• Natural law theory posits that moral rules and principles are objective, absolute, and universally applicable.

• It emphasizes the discovery of moral truths through reason and reflection on human nature.

• Important to distinguish between moral natural law and scientific laws (e.g., law of gravity).

Natural Law Paradigm

• Advocates for morality through human nature reflection.

• Suggests morality is based on reason (knowledge and free will) rather than mystery or metaphysics.

Moral Law

• Accessible through human reason and experience.

• Natural law dictates universally applicable moral truths.

2.) Aristotelian Conception of Natural Law

• Aristotle(the greatest of all ancient philosophers) believed everything has a specific purpose.

• He emphasized that understanding a thing requires knowing its purpose.

• Example: An acorn has the purpose of becoming an oak tree.

• Aristotle believes every individual substance has an

  intrinsic nature, which is dynamic, teleological, and

  specific

• Four Basic Ideas:

  1. Everything in nature has a purpose.

  2. Each entity has essential features defining them.

  3. Entities have their proper good.

  4. Purpose, nature, and good are related.

Understanding Human Morality

• Rationality distinguishes humans from other living beings.

• Moral actions should align with one's nature (rationality).

Thomistic Influence on Natural Law

• St. Thomas Aquinas defined law as a command of reason for the common good, promulgated by authority.

  • Must fulfill criteria of justice, honesty, and public knowledge to be valid.

Attributes of Natural Law

1. Obligatory: Imposes moral duties.

2. Universal: Applies to all individuals regardless of culture.

3. Knowable: Open to discovery by rational beings.

4. Immutable: Unchanging, as it emanates from God.

Human Inclinations According to St. Thomas

• Self-Preservation: The instinct to preserve life.

• Propagation: The drive to reproduce.

• Living in Harmony: The desire for fair dealings with others.

• Seeking Truth: The pursuit of knowledge and goodness, aiming for eternal happiness with God.

Specific Ethical Principles Under Natural Law Theory

Principle of Double Effect

• Used to navigate complex moral situations producing good and bad outcomes.

• Conditions for moral justification:

  1. The intended action must be ethically good or neutral.

  2. The bad effect must be unintended, a side issue.

  3. The bad effect must not be the means to an end.

  4. The good effect must outweigh the bad.

Principle of Inviolability of Life

• Life is sacred and cannot be sacrificed for any reason.

• All human lives, including fetuses, are immeasurable and should be protected.

Principle of Forfeiture

• A person who poses a threat to another forfeits their right to safety, allowing for self-defense.

• Distinguishes between just killing (not targeting innocent life) and unjust murder.

Principle of Totality

• Body parts exist for the good of the whole; removal is justified only if necessary for overall health.

• Mutilation of healthy organs is immoral.

Principle of Stewardship

• Humans have a moral obligation to care for life and the environment as their use is not ownership but stewardship.

Just War Theory

• Conditions for a just war include lawful authority, just cause, last resort, right intention, reasonable chance of success, and proportional response.

Justified Rebellion/Revolution

• Natural law may support revolt against tyranny, sanctioned if conditions like exhausting peaceful avenues and the majority's support are met.

Strengths of Natural Law Theory

1. Affirms inherent human worth.

2. Provides purpose and coherence to natural laws.

3. Offers clear moral guidelines based on human nature.

4. Balances reason with ethical life perception.

Criticisms of Natural Law Theory

1. Debates over whether "is" implies "ought".

2. Difficulty in universally recognizing natural laws.

3. Variability of human interpretations challenges the concept of fixed moral truths.

4. Conflicts between scientific evolution and the notion of purpose in nature.

5. Questioning the consistency and goodness of human nature.

6. The subjectivity of conscience in moral decision-making.