1. Natural Law aNd conscience

2. Definitions What is the definition of law?
What do you think is meant by Natural Law

3. Roman philosopher Cicero:
For there is a true law: right reason. It is in conformity with nature, is diffused among men, and is immutable and eternal; its orders summon to duty; its prohibitions turn away from offense… To replace it with the contrary law is sacrilege..”
What can we conclude about Natural Law based on this pre-Christian definition from Cicero?

4. Assertions
Natural Law is not a product of any formal religion, but a concept that springs for from the human quest for truth
Certain transgressions are wrong (i.e. stealing, lying, adultery), not because religion teaches they are wrong, but because they violate the “natural law” innate in human beings and in the universe.

5. Natural Law by Patrick Lee
Choices that are consistent with those good leading to perfection – knowledge, aesthetic experience, friendship – are morally good.
Choices that are at odds, are morally wrong.
Natural Law provides an objective standard to morality.
Some ethicists would say that Natural Law is “penciled- in,” rather than “written in our hearts.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Where does God fit into this understanding of natural law?

6. “The Revenge of Conscience” J. Budziszewski
How would you define conscience?
Thesis: Conscience is a powerful force, that when ignored or suppressed can lead to a moral decline as a natural consequence.
Conscience comes from natural law. Society is on a moral decline because we are “in denial” of what is right and wrong.
Suppressing our conscience is worse because it redirects and distorts, or justifies what is wrong.

7. “Revenge of the Conscience” con’t
Justification leads to rationalization – we reinvent the concept of write and wrong so that morality is compatible with our desired activities.
Why do you think people have the need to “broadcast” what they did if they’re convinced that what they’re doing what is moral?
People don’t sin privately; they recruit
Eventually the suppression of the natural law “catches” up to us and makes things worse.