Explain Aquinas' Natural Law Theory

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Lauren Smith 12M/S4

Explain Aquinas' Natural Law Theory

Natural Law is many things, for one it is universal; another it is accessible through the natural order. It is also perceived by all humans, although only believers in God acknowledge that it has implications for them beyond death. This Law was given by God to human, so it gives them reason to accomplish 'good'. The Law has precepts that if followed correctly will allow humans to achieve perfection.

Aquinas Natural Law is based on the conviction that of created the world, establishing order and purpose that reflects his (God) WILL. Human's reason is to achieve ultimate happiness, therefore anyone can discover Natural Law by reason whether religious or not. It is universal.

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Another person to think of this Law was Aristotle. Aristotle was a Greek thinker; whose work was saved due to Islam saving all work in their scripture. Aristotle felt that what the law commanded varied from place to place, but what was "by nature" should be the same everywhere.

Aquinas Natural Law Theory came from readings from the Bible, mainly in Genesis 1 (which is about the creation of the world) and Genesis 20 (Decalogue were the precepts were generated from). ‘Natural laws are hierarchical in nature; secondary laws of nature are based on primary laws of nature...Natural laws exist ...

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