Natural Law - Philosophy And Ethics - Quiz, Flashcards & Trivia

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.

Plato -
The Guardians of Plato's Kalipolis had a heightened understanding of moral qualities like justice and moderation. The majority of people can come up with definitions of justice, descriptions of just behavior but these refer to particular times and places. The Guardians can go beyond this and through reason discover the true form (eidos) of justice, all the notions are merely shadows of the real thing. The greatest of forms is the 'form of good' which makes all others intelligible, it is the absolute measure of justice, "the brightest region of being". Upon witnessing the form of good the individual gains wisdom. In Plato's work 'Symposium' good equated with beauty which on coming contact with sustains him from the temptation to pursue wealth and sex. Plato's forms can be interpreted as natural laws, this is further supported by his vision of an ideal society as one "established in accordance with nature" - this is explored in work 'Republic'.

John Locke - Locke's concept of natural law focused on individual rights, life, liberty, and property, which formed the basis of his social contract theory.

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

The Ancient Stoics
The stoics asserted the existence of a rational (logos) and purposeful order to the universe and the means by which a rational being lived in accordance with this order was the natural law, which spelled out action that accorded with virtue. They considered natural law as a law of right reason.

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.

St Paul
"For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law unto themselves, their conscience also bearing witness"

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?

Social Status and Prestige - Exploitation of the Environment - Accumulation of Wealth at the Expense of Others - Adherence to Cultural Norms and Traditions

Individual Freedom and Autonomy - Equal Rights for All - Government Control Over Personal Choices - Pursuit of Wealth and Material Possessions

Physical Strength and Dominance - Competition and Survival of the Fittest - Aggression Towards Others - Pursuit of Power and Control

Primary Precepts
-Self Preservation and the protection of the innocent
-Reproduction
-An ordered society
-Education of the young
-Worship of God or metaphysical beings

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

Utilitarianism argues that the morality of an action is determined by its outcome; whether it produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

The Categorical Imperative, proposed by Immanuel Kant, states that an action is only moral if it can be universally applied without contradiction.

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

The Doctrine of Double Effect
Claims it is permissible to cause harm as a side effect (or double effect) of bringing about a good result. It was first introduced by Thomas Aquinas, who was grappling with the issue of self-defense, he concluded that killing one's assailant was justified, provided he did not mean to kill him. The actor is motivated by the end cause, self preservation and due to the action of his assailant, he is not breaching upon the other primary precept of preserving the innocent. However, if the man in self defense uses more than the necessary it will be unlawful, whereas, if he repels force with moderation his defense will be lawful. The principle of double effect can also be applied to interior and exterior actions. If I was to commit an unlawful interior act with the intent of securing a great good for the exterior world I would be justified in doing so as the unlawful act is the side effect of a good end.
Joseph Magan in his paper 'An historical analysis of the principle of double effect believed a set criteria had to met in order to justify an unlawful act. They were as follows;
- The act itself must be indifferent
-The good effect has to be intended
-The good effect is produced
-There is a proportionally grave reason for permitting evil effects
For example - If it had come to my attention there was an assassination plot to kill Idi Amin and I allowed it to continue without alerting authorities it would deemed a justified act for through doing so many innocent lives would be saved and I did not personally pull the trigger.

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.