Natural Moral LawAquinas and Reason

This theory is absolute and deontological, this

means that it is concerned with ‘action’.

In his work “Summa Theological Aquinas described natural law as a moral code

existing within the purpose of nature, created by

God, ”law is nothing else than an Ordination of

reason for the common good”

For Aquinas, the purpose of human life was to achieve perfection with God. For Aquinas this perfection could not be discovered by natural law alone. He also appealed to eternal law and

divine law.

• Eternal law refers to the principles by which God governs the universe

• Divine law refers to the Bible, which guides us in reaching our goal of perfection.

• Natural law is the part of eternal law that applies to human choices and can be known by our natural reason

For Aquinas this perfection was not achievable in this life, but only after death.

The Primary Precepts – Basic principles of Aquinas’ Natural Law

In four words, 'Do good, avoid evil'. In more detail, Aquinas talked of Primary Precepts. Whilst you probably think of Natural Law as a deontological position (deon- duty; deontological ethical positions have absolute rules that it

is our duty to follow), this part is teleological. Telos- purpose. What is our purpose – what are we designed for? • Protection of the innocent• Reproduction • Ordered society • Worship God • Learning TASK – Come up with 2 secondary precepts for each that you think uphold would uphold them. Try to think of one positive and one negative.

Secondary PreceptsAquinas regarded each precept as a part of a path towards the ultimate purpose in life.

The primary precepts are set in stone whereas the secondary precepts can vary from the law of the land to accepted codes of behaviour within our own family. They are practical human rules which govern our daily behaviour…

So how do we arrive at these?

To arrive at the secondary precepts you have to reason what would be an essential route to get towards this primary precept.

Possible secondary precepts are;Preservation of

life

Reproduction

Order in Society

Worship God

Learning

Do not kill

No Capital Punishment

No Contraception

Permit IVF and Surrogacy

Do not steal

Build more homes

Hold school assemblies

Set one day a week aside for worship -eg Sunday.

Free education for children and university students

Make schooling compulsory

Real and Apparent GoodNatural law is within all of us, but it is not like a physical law that can be followed. It derives from reason and reason can sometimes be in error.

Read the information on your worksheet and

complete the tasks

CausistryCausistry is the name given to the process of applying Natural Law principles to specific situations.   This is

done in a logical way, as some principles have logical consequences.  For example, if it is in principle wrong to

kill innocent human beings, it follows that bombing civilian targets (such as Dresden in WW2) is wrong.  However, if it is accepted that killing in self defence is okay, we could justify an air attack on Afghanistan on these grounds.Innocent people might die, but that is not the aim of the action, so the doctrine of double effect comes in to play.

Double effectDouble effect refers to situations where there is an intended outcome and another significant but unintentional outcome. According to Natural Law it is our intentions that are important, not the consequences of our actions. Double effect would not allow you to perform an action where an unintended outcome had devastating effects.

Four conditions must be met…1. We do not wish the evil effects and make all

reasonable efforts to avoid them2. The immediate effect in itself should be good3. The evil is not made a means to obtain the

good4. The good effect should be as important,

proportionately at least, as the evil effect.

Strengths and WeaknessesHighlight the arguments for and against Natural Moral Law (NML).

Conclusions that can be drawn are…1. NML is the correct moral theory and so defines all moral

actions Other ethical theories are therefore in error2. NML makes assumptions that may or may not be correct.

Whether or not it is valid cannot be determined, however it’s strengths outweigh it’s weaknesses.

3. NML makes assumptions that may or may not be correct. Whether or not this is valid cannot be determined, however its weaknesses outweigh it’s strengths.

4. NML is one ethical system amongst others and has equal status with them

5. NML is flawed and invalid.

Review your knowledge.

Complete the yellow summary worksheet.