Natural Law

1. Explain the Nature of Natural Law

Locke - 'Second Treatise of Government' Natural law is centered around the preservation of life, liberty, and property.

Aquinas - 'Summa Theologica'
Natural law is woven into the purpose of nature grafted by God. The destiny of humanity is to become unity with God as they were separated in the fall, the way in which to accomplish this is to lead a good moral life in accordance with natural law. Natural law is based upon a single principle 'good is to be done and pursued, evil is to be avoided' - the primary/ secondary precepts aim to pursue actions which will produce such results.

Kant - 'Categorical Imperative' Natural law is determined by the universalization of moral actions through reason and motive.

Hobbes - 'Leviathan' Natural law is based on a social contract to uphold mutual security and stability.

The correct answer provided by Aquinas delves into the theological and moral aspects of natural law, which is in line with traditional Christian beliefs. The incorrect answers by Kant, Locke, and Hobbes offer alternative perspectives on natural law which are divergent from the traditional Christian view.

Explanation

The correct answer provided by Aquinas delves into the theological and moral aspects of natural law, which is in line with traditional Christian beliefs. The incorrect answers by Kant, Locke, and Hobbes offer alternative perspectives on natural law which are divergent from the traditional Christian view.

2. Aquinas believed a moral error to be an error in reason and if an individual lived an immoral life it was an irrational one. What did Aquinas believe was paramount when determining whether or not an action is morally right?

Popular opinion

Consequences

Intentions
Due to Natural Law deriving from a deontological source, the intention is paramount when determining whether or not an action is morally right. Aquinas identified two parts to the equation, the action was the exterior act, the intention, the interior, equally as . Aquinas believed acts were only moral if they are good in both parts. The motivation should be to glorify God through the revelation of the beauty of his creations (Use the analogy of proud parents at a parents evening).

Social norms

Due to Natural Law deriving from a deontological source, the intention is paramount when determining whether or not an action is morally right. Aquinas identified two parts to the equation, the action was the exterior act, the intention, the interior, equally as important.

Explanation

Due to Natural Law deriving from a deontological source, the intention is paramount when determining whether or not an action is morally right. Aquinas identified two parts to the equation, the action was the exterior act, the intention, the interior, equally as important.

3. Primary Precepts - Natural Inclinations - Self Preservation - Reproduction - Education - Community - Worship of God. According to natural law theory, which precept is believed to take precedence over the others?

Self Preservation

Education

Reproduction

Secondary Precepts
Specific rules and applications to ensure humanity follows actual goods (primary precepts). Secondary precepts can be found within the bible such as the ten commandments and are still in formulation today. The Roman Catholic church continue to prohibit the use of contraception as it prevents a humans natural ability to reproduce.

Secondary precepts are specific rules and applications to ensure humanity follows actual goods (primary precepts). They can be found within religious texts like the Ten Commandments and are still being formulated today.

Explanation

Secondary precepts are specific rules and applications to ensure humanity follows actual goods (primary precepts). They can be found within religious texts like the Ten Commandments and are still being formulated today.

4. What are some weaknesses of Absolutist systems of ethics and natural law?

Promotes individual liberties

Flexibility in moral principles

Lack of moral guidelines

Weaknesses
No agreed moral law- the world is governed by opposing moralities there is not a clear command of ethics
Human Nature- Kai Nelson argued through the findings of science that there was no proof of humans having the same inclinations. An example of this could be sexual orientation, some individuals are attracted to the opposing sex some the same, this shows a difference in natural inclination.
Legalistic - Natural Law does not take into consideration individual circumstances. Euthanasia can illustrate this, for instance if an individual had a fatal illness, alzheimer's and they wished to die in dignity with their memories than prolong suffering surely we have no moral right to prevent them?
Lead to an authoritarian system

Absolutist systems of ethics and natural law have weaknesses such as conflicting moralities, potential differences in human inclinations, lack of consideration for individual circumstances, and the risk of leading to an authoritarian system.

Explanation

Absolutist systems of ethics and natural law have weaknesses such as conflicting moralities, potential differences in human inclinations, lack of consideration for individual circumstances, and the risk of leading to an authoritarian system.

5. Natural Law and Atheism Information sourced from Glenn Peoples Henry Veatch distinguished between religious and non religious versions of natural law. The former being theological in origin and the latter based on the natural light of unaided human reason. Religious natural law, it has been argued, is governed by everything but natural inclinations as it is prescriptions and prohibition decreed by God and gained through human reasoning. It is in this way it differs from its counterpart which has far greater belief in human ability. The rules of intelligence conduct and behavior as any knowledgeable person ought to be able to see are demanded by the nature of the case when it comes to living lives. Theists can follow this school of thought by refuting the need for a direct connection with God and his subjects; instead, natural law can be experienced through the natural world. William of Ockam agreed with this as he did not believe our rights and liberties needed to be dictated by God as they become apparent in our pursuit of life.

Those fields which most depend upon authoritative opinion for their data least contain known natural law - L. Ron Hubbard

Atheists believe natural law is solely a human construct and dismiss any religious influence

The concept of natural law is a religious notion that cannot be understood or applied by atheists

Atheism rejects the existence of any universal moral code, including natural law

The correct answer provided focuses on the concept that fields relying heavily on authoritative opinion may contain less known natural law, emphasizing a different perspective from the other options.

Explanation

The correct answer provided focuses on the concept that fields relying heavily on authoritative opinion may contain less known natural law, emphasizing a different perspective from the other options.