Natural Moral Law Aquinas 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 Precepts Aquinas 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 Good Natural 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

Causistry Causistry 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 effect Double 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 them 2.The immediate effect in itself should be good 3.The evil is not made a means to obtain the good 4.The good effect should be as important, proportionately at least, as the evil effect.

Strengths and Weaknesses Highlight 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 error 2.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.