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Exploring Natural Law: Principles, Precepts, and Ethical Considerations

Explore the principles of Natural Law, tailored for A2 Philosophy & Ethics students. This educational resource deepens understanding of ethical theories, enhancing analytical skills and preparing learners for advanced studies in...

Questions: 5 | Attempts: 11 | Last updated: Aug 4, 2025

Sample Question 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.

Sample Question 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

IntentionsDue 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

Sample Question 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 PreceptsSpecific 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.

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