Chapter 6 - Natural Law (Lecture Video)

Natural Law Theory Overview

  • Natural Law Theory (NLT) is a normative ethical theory that posits actions are right if they are natural and wrong if they are unnatural.
  • NLT often appeals to theists seeking a moral framework that resolves issues found in Divine Command Theory (DCT).

Key Concepts of Natural Law Theory

  • Definition: Actions are judged based on their alignment with nature.
  • Questions to Determine Morality:
    • Is the action natural? If yes, it's right; if no, it's wrong.
  • Complexity of Terms: The distinction between natural and unnatural actions is complex and has various interpretations in different branches of philosophy.

Advantages of Natural Law Theory

  • Objective Morality:

    • NLT allows for a moral framework that applies universally, regardless of individual beliefs or cultural backgrounds.
    • What is considered morally right or wrong can be discovered as a matter of fact by observing nature.

  • Moral Knowledge:

    • NLT seeks to answer how moral knowledge is possible amidst challenges raised by philosophers like David Hume.
    • Hume's Argument:
    • All knowledge is derived from either conceptual truths (abstract reasoning) or empirical truths (observation).
    • Hume argues that moral claims cannot be known through these means; hence, moral knowledge is impossible.

    Breakdown of Hume's Theories:

    • Conceptual Truths: Propositions that can be known without observation (e.g., all triangles have three sides).
    • Empirical Truths: Propositions that require personal observation (e.g., counting trees in a yard).
    • Moral Claims: NLT argues against Hume's stance by suggesting that moral knowledge can be observed through understanding the purpose of actions.

Moral Knowledge & Observation in NLT

  • NLT asserts that we can determine right and wrong by understanding the function or purpose of entities:

    • Example of the Human Eye:
    • The function of the eye is to see.
    • Actions that facilitate this function are right, while those that hinder it are wrong.

  • The method for moral judgement:

    • Identify the purpose of a thing (e.g., survival, procreation).
    • Evaluate if an action aids or hinders that purpose.

Fitness Model of Natural Law Theory

  • The Fitness Model states:
    • Actions are right if they promote the survival of beings, and wrong if they do not.
    • Definitions of Survival:
    • A being's life, genetic continuation, or species preservation.

Examples of Application:

  • Capital Punishment:

    • The Catholic Church opposes the death penalty on NLT grounds; ending a life infringes on survival.

  • Sexual Ethics:

    • The Church's stance against contraception aligns with NLT; reproductive organs should function to produce offspring.
    • Non-procreative actions (e.g., same-sex relationships, specific sexual practices) are seen as incorrect because they do not fulfill their intended biological purposes.

Conclusion

  • NLT is a rich ethical framework with relevance in current moral discussions, particularly in relation to rights, duties, and ethical behavior in society.
  • The next discussion will focus on objections to NLT.