Understanding Natural Law Theory and Principles
Explore the foundations of Natural Law theory, its relationship to morality and human nature, Aquinas' hierarchy of laws, natural inclinations, qualifying principles, and the doctrine of double-effect. Learn how to evaluate actions based on moral laws.
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Presentation Transcript
Morality and Human Nature Natural Law Theory Based upon assumption that the good is consistent with fundamental design Not the laws of nature, those laws are descriptive Moral laws prescriptive in that they tell us how we ought to behave Historical Origins: Aristotle (through Aquinas) An observer of Nature His teleological view provides a conclusion about human good
Aquinas Hierarchy Eternal Law The law of God s regulative reason Natural Law That part of God s Law that is incorporated into human nature Divine Law The Law that man receives by special revelation from God Human Law Law devised by man for specific purposes
Natural Inclinations Life Natural inclination to self-preservation Procreation Natural inclination to reproduce Knowledge Natural inclination to learn Sociability Natural inclination to love and seek affection
Qualifying Principles Principle of Forfeiture A person who threatens the life of an innocent person forfeits his own right to life Principle or Doctrine of Double Effect Distinguishes between the intended and the foreseen but unintended consequences of actions
Doctrine of Double-Effect It is permissible to perform an act that will have bad effects only if: The act is good in itself The bad effect is unavoidable The intention of the actor is good The evil effects are not part of the purpose The good effect is sufficiently good to compensate for the bad effect Key point are: intentions and avoidability
Applying Double-Effect Not Intended Yes No Yes Is the bad effect the means of producing the good effect? Is the act permissible? Is the bad effect avoidable? Is the bad effect proportionate? Passes Yes No Yes No Intended Not permissible - Forbidden
Evaluating Natural Law Theory Determination of actions is a result of seeing moral law in human nature Can the way things are by nature provide a basis for knowing how they ought to be? Chance, direction, and the purpose of life
