Natural Law

Natural Law

1. Aristotle

   • 4 causes
     • Material
     • Formal
     • Efficient
     • Final
   • Everything has a purpose

2. Aquinas

   • natural good
     • universal recognition of what is good and we act consistently with what is good
   • wrong reasoning
     • real good
       • something that seems right to do and ends in a good outcome, fulfilling the supreme human good
     • apparent good
       • something that at the time seems a good thing to do, but turns out to be morally wrong
   • 5 primary precepts
     • ordered society
       • do not break the law
       • do not commit adultery
     • defend the innocent
       • do not abort
       • do not murder
     • worship God
       • go to church
       • read and respect the bible
     • education
       • educate children
       • go to school
     • reproduction
       • do not use contriception
       • do not abort
   • double effect
     • if the intent of the act is morally good, then any bad consequences don't make the action immoral
   • casuistry
     • bending the rules of the primary precepts to make moral decisions

3. Finnis

   • 7 basic goods
     • life
     • knowledge
     • play
     • natural beauty
     • practical reasonableness
     • religion
     • friendship
   • 9 principles of practical reasonableness
     • do good avoid evil
     • rational and coherent life plan
     • do not prioritise one good over another
     • treat everyone equal
     • remain objective
     • limit consequences
     • respect for basic values
     • uphold requirements of the common good
     • follow your conscience
   • homosexuality
     • Finnis condems
     • doesn't fulfil the purpose of sex
     • says that it's un-natural