What type of argument is Natural Moral Law?
Absolutist and Deontological approach
Teleological and Consequentialist
What did Aristotle believe in?
That humans develop the senses of right and wrong through they're environment.
He had a view that humans inherit a sense of right and wrong.
In the best known as a christian system of ethics, who in the bible hints to such ideas?
St. Paul
St. Teresa
What did Thomas Aquinas believe was the destiny of man? (HINT: Aquinas argued that natural law resides within purpose of nature, created by God) PICK 3 ANSWERS
Destiny of humans to achieve union with God.
Destiny of humans to grow and develop towards a 'child of God'.
Destiny to seek the most morally correct thing to do in every given situation.
Destiny for man to achieve through NML to do good and avoid evil.
What are the two ways in which Man can understand God's law?
Through worship (church every Sunday).
Through revelation (Bible).
Through non-cognitive/anti-realist objects (such as symbols and myths).
Through reason (your intellect).
NML is a rational system of ethics but is supposed to find agreement with what is revealed in scripture. For Aquinas is a moral error equivalent to an error in reason? (HINT: If one is being truly rational one will always discern what is right. Immoral lives are irrational and contradict the teaching of the Bible)
Did Aquinas believe that human nature is essentially bad, and humans often acted selfishly to others?
What is the definition of apparent good?
What is actually good.
What seems to be good.
What seems to be bad and needs to be avoided.
What is the definition of real good?
What seems to be bad but needs to be avoided.
Is stealing food to feed your starving family morally wrong? and is a moral error? (HINT: A moral error being, choosing an apparent good mistaking it for the real good)
What are the other Deontological criteria's?
Interior acts
Cognitive acts
Relativist acts
Absolutist acts
Exterior acts
How many Primary and Secondary Precepts are there?
4
6
5
3
7
What was Bernard Hoose's modern interpretation of NML?
He brought about absolutism.
He brought about relativism.
He brought about proportionalism.
How should Moral Codes be proportionate to the needs of people?
Moral codes should have a code where it enables a fair decision to be made.
Moral codes should have a code where it focuses on the middle class.
Moral codes should have a code where it allows punishment for the morally wrong.
What does it mean for the NML argument if it is based on an absolutist approach? (1 key strength of the argument)
it is simplistic so people can understand it easily, it isn't a theistic approach so therefore everyone can follow it, as well as following a Deontological approach.
It makes it have clear values and makes it able to withstand criticisms, as well as focusing on universal and common moral ideas.
What are the strengths of this argument?
* The argument puts emphasis on purpose giving humans a positive structure in their lives.
* It also fits in with modern with modern society as Aquinas puts emphasis on the importance of political authority.
* Fits in with theistic/Christian views and ethical theories.
*Is an agnostic view.
The fact it depends on accepting the view that good is what is found in nature. But is everything in nature is good?
Yes
No
Whats wrong with the Primary and Secondary Precepts?
Aquinas assumes everyone worships God. (theistic views)
Education is only compulsory in some countries.
It is outdated e.g. Contraception is not wrong, suicide isn't always wrong if that individual is suffering.
There isn't enough of them.
Is it true that this argument does not have room for situationism, relativism, consequentialism, or individualism?
Do you think NML has potential as an ethical theory?
Yes - It can withstand criticisms by just over coming them, by altering them to modern society like Hoose does in proportionalism.
No - it is too outdated and doesn't fit in with the secular world.
