intro to natural law
key terms:
eternal law: the principles by which God made and controls the universe and which are only fully known to God
divine law: the law of God revealed in the Bible, particularly in the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount
natural law: the moral law of God within human nature that is discoverable through the use of reason
human law: the laws of nations
the telos/ultimate end: Aquinas thought moral acts were free acts aimed at achieving an immediate end, and also an ultimate end
achieving an ultimate end brings ultimate happiness and satisfaction, a thing not found in this world
motivations matter, however
the four tiers of law: Aquinas advocated an approach to ethics based on a universal order that all moral rules were based on. they were: eternal law, divine law, natural law and human law
the key precept: the synderesis rule: natural law involves rationality
primary and secondary precepts: primary precepts are fundamental moral principles that aim to promote human flourishing, such as preserving life and seeking knowledge. Secondary precepts are derived from the primary precepts and provide more specific guidelines for ethical behaviour in different situations. These precepts help guide individuals in making moral decisions.
real and apparent goods: Real goods refer to things that are truly beneficial and valuable for human well-being and flourishing. These can include things like knowledge, friendship, health, and moral virtue. On the other hand, apparent goods are things that may initially seem desirable, but upon closer examination, they are not truly beneficial or may even be harmful. It's important to distinguish between real goods and apparent goods to make wise choices and pursue genuine happiness.
doctrine of double effect: The doctrine of double effect is an ethical principle that deals with morally complex situations where an action may have both good and bad consequences. According to this doctrine, it may be morally permissible to perform an action that has both a good effect and a foreseen but unintended bad effect, as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions typically include the intention of the action being good, the bad effect being an unintended consequence, the good effect outweighing the bad effect, and there being no alternative course of action with only good effects. It's a concept that helps guide ethical decision-making in challenging situations.
cultural relativism: the social norms of a given culture eg in British culture, abortion can be carried out and a woman has the right to decide if she wishes to be pregnant; in American culture, there are significant political obstacles associated with abortion
subjectivism: moral beliefs of an individual
absolutism: fixed and unchanging moral laws
utilitarianism: morality is the outcome that has the greatest good for the greatest number
natural law: morality is the understanding of a rational human nature that we should live in accordance with
reason: entirely rational, emotions play no part in moral decisions
God-given: morality has a gift to humans from God
universal: apply laws exactly the same in all places at all times
innate: morality is ingrained in our rational minds
divine spark: morality/moral choices we make are God acting within and through us
key scholars:
aquinas: using reason alone we can perceive what is ‘good’
catholic church: natural law is written and engraved on the soul of every man by God
aristotle: morality is natural and unchangeable and has the same powers everywhere
cicero: true law is right reason in agreement with nature, it is one eternal unchanging law