Explain, with examples, Aquinas' theory or natural law
explain, with examples, Aquinas' theory or natural law. This theory is based on if the world was created by God, which means that this world has something of God's purpose for the world. It’s believed that everything that is created with a final purpose or design. This is called the final design. The natural law then says that the universe has a natural order that works to achieve an end of purpose. Human beings are a part of this natural world and therefore they also have a purpose of nature. Aquinas believed that something is good if it fulfills its purpose. For example, an eye is for seeing things with, but if it doesn’t work properly, it means it isn’t fulfilling its purpose. Aquinas was inspired by Aristotle who said that the result in us fulfilling our purpose would be Eudaimonia, which is interpreted as flourishing or happiness. Aquinas believed that our purpose is to do what God has made for us and that everything has been created for a purpose by God. He said that if we follow our purpose, then we reach perfection. Natural Law is often described as deontological because, it leads to a
set of rules that people have a duty to follow. These rules are absolutist, because they know of no exception. For example, using contraception to prevent conception is absolutely wrong, no matter what type of consequences such as the spread of AIDS, unwanted pregnancies etc. However, Aquinas' Natural Law Theory says we should try to fulfill our God-given purpose. This is teleological, as it is interested in our design or 'end'. The primary precepts - preserving life, live in an ordered society, to worship God, to educate the young and to reproduce. Those 5 precepts are teleological: they are the ...
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set of rules that people have a duty to follow. These rules are absolutist, because they know of no exception. For example, using contraception to prevent conception is absolutely wrong, no matter what type of consequences such as the spread of AIDS, unwanted pregnancies etc. However, Aquinas' Natural Law Theory says we should try to fulfill our God-given purpose. This is teleological, as it is interested in our design or 'end'. The primary precepts - preserving life, live in an ordered society, to worship God, to educate the young and to reproduce. Those 5 precepts are teleological: they are the ends to which all our actions should aim. The primary precepts are also absolutist - Aquinas believed we were all made by God with a human purpose that we all have. There are two types of theory. There is the absolute theory which is the belief that there are objective moral rules which are true in all situations. And relative theory which is the belief that rules depend on our individual circumstances and beliefs. A very important thing that we need to remember is that he was really going against what the church taught as they taught faith and revelation where God reveals his purpose. There are reasons which explain the natural laws from God. These if followed make us more like God. There is a hierarchy which starts with Eternal law which is where God created our purpose and plan for us. But it is said that if we could see his plans for us then it would be looking like the sun because we can’t actually see the sun but we can get the heat and light from it, because if we looked at it, it would blind us. This is a good example that if we see God's plans, then we will be blinded. Next down the line is Divine Law which is where the Bible and priests are the people who see more of God's teachings and plans. Those two things see more that we do. The next thing is Natural Law, which is the inbuilt sense we have of right and wrong. Next is Human Law which is the rules that should be upheld by the rest of society. We have primary precepts which are to preserve life, which means we need to create conditions to keep ourselves fit and healthy and to avoid situations which threaten our life. We are expected to procreate, which means it is natural to have sex. Our bodies have hormones which affect us and make us desire it. It makes sense to bring up a child in a lawful relationship like marriage. We are also expected to use education, we have a natural inclination to want to know everything these is about the universe. Harmony is the next thing we need to uphold in our primary precepts. This is because people seek to resolve disputes and want to live peacefully. The last, but no least thing is worshiping God, which is where humans want to know about God and therefore they worship him to find out more about him. We have secondary precepts which are there for us to understand the way in which we ought to behave we need to reason excellently. Therefore, an example for each of them are: preserve life, do not murder. Procreate, do not use condoms which prevent having children. Education, we need schools to provide education about the world. Live in harmony, do not start wars and respect others faiths and opinions. Worship God, go to church, pray and learn about Gods ways by learning more about him. Aquinas said that for an act to be good, it has to be good interior and exterior. An interior act is the motivation behind and action and the exterior act is the action itself. There are also cardinal virtues these are Prudence which means being able to judge between actions and reacting appropriately with actions at a given time. Justice which means proper moderation between self-interest and the rights and needs of others. Restraint/Temperance is the practicing of self-control, abstention, and moderation. Courage or Fortitude is the forbearance, endurance, and ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation. Aquinas did have some strange beliefs about sin. Aquinas also spoke about the principals of double effect, where someone could do damage but the intention is good and can help. An example of double effect is where pain killers can be taken to relieve pain, but in the long run, there is a negative effect. But sometimes things like this can be acceptable and would be contrary to Gods will. He believed that people were just spiritually blind and that people just misread what God was saying. Which means Hitler was just spiritually blind and didn't mean to do what he did which doesn’t make sense. In conclusion, i think that Aquinas' natural law explanation is complicated but does make sense with the explanations of the cardinal virtues and double effect. Many people who don't believe in God still use most of the human law and natural law rules.
