Exploring Natural Law: Philosophical Roots and Ethical Implications

1. Which philosopher is associated with the concept of natural law as a deductive, deontological, and teleological theory?

Immanuel Kant - Kant's moral philosophy was based on categorical imperative and duty, emphasizing rationality and universality in ethics.

Thomas Hobbes - Hobbes believed that natural law is based on self-preservation and people pursued their own individual interests.

Natural law as a deductive, deontological, and teleological theory is associated with Plato due to his philosophical works detailing the Guardians' understanding of moral qualities and the concept of 'forms'. While Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant made significant contributions to ethics and political philosophy, their approaches to natural law differed from Plato's in terms of key principles and foundations.

Explanation

Natural law as a deductive, deontological, and teleological theory is associated with Plato due to his philosophical works detailing the Guardians' understanding of moral qualities and the concept of 'forms'. While Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant made significant contributions to ethics and political philosophy, their approaches to natural law differed from Plato's in terms of key principles and foundations.

2. In his works Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle argued that natural law was not always the same as that which was just by law. He observed that while laws may vary from place to place, natural justice is independent and applies to everyone no matter where they live. Which ancient philosophical school believed in the existence of a rational and purposeful order to the universe and considered natural law as a law of right reason?

Plato's Academy

Cyrenaics

Epicureanism

The Stoics believed in a rational and purposeful order to the universe and saw natural law as a law of right reason, aligning with Aristotle's concept of natural justice.

Explanation

The Stoics believed in a rational and purposeful order to the universe and saw natural law as a law of right reason, aligning with Aristotle's concept of natural justice.

3. What is the relationship between natural law, justice, and the idea of choosing what is just and true according to Cicero's De Legibus?

Plato believed that natural law is solely based on reason and intuition.

Aristotle argued that natural law is shaped by societal norms and customs.

Thomas Aquinas asserted that natural law originates from human rationality and free will.

The correct answer provided by St Paul emphasizes the intrinsic understanding of what is just and true, regardless of having formal laws or codes.

Explanation

The correct answer provided by St Paul emphasizes the intrinsic understanding of what is just and true, regardless of having formal laws or codes.

4. In his Summa Theologiae, Thomas Aquinas restored Natural Law to its independent state, asserting natural law as the rational creature's participation in the eternal law. What are the primary precepts of Natural Law according to Aquinas?

Aquinas believed that Natural Law is based on primary precepts such as self-preservation, reproduction, an ordered society, education of the young, and worship of God or metaphysical beings. These precepts guide human behavior towards moral actions and contribute to the common good.

Explanation

Aquinas believed that Natural Law is based on primary precepts such as self-preservation, reproduction, an ordered society, education of the young, and worship of God or metaphysical beings. These precepts guide human behavior towards moral actions and contribute to the common good.

5. Humanity's Telos

Virtue ethics emphasizes the role of an individual's character and moral integrity in guiding decisions.

The question explores the concept of the Doctrine of Double Effect in ethical reasoning and decision-making. Incorrect answers provide brief explanations of other ethical theories like Utilitarianism, Virtue ethics, and the Categorical Imperative to highlight their differences with the correct answer.

Explanation

The question explores the concept of the Doctrine of Double Effect in ethical reasoning and decision-making. Incorrect answers provide brief explanations of other ethical theories like Utilitarianism, Virtue ethics, and the Categorical Imperative to highlight their differences with the correct answer.