Natural Law

Natural Law is a theological ethic. What does theological mean? Give a synonym for theological

Natural Law has been adopted as the moral framework of which Christian denomination?

• Quaker

• Baptist

• Catholic

• Protestant

Who is believed to be the founder of Natural Law?

• St Thomas Aquinas

• Jeremy Bentham

• John Stuart Mill

• Joseph Fletcher

Answer explanation

The theology of his is referred to as Thomism. He was an influential priest who is best known book is 'Summa Theologica'

Natural Law's theory has ideas developed from which Ancient Greek Philosopher?

Answer explanation

Aquinas was heavily influenced by Aristotle, especially the focus on a purpose, Highest Good and the universe's natural design

What is the purpose or the Highest Good of Natural Law?

• Eudaimonia- true happiness or flourishment

• To become perfect like God and unite with him in Heaven (Fellowship)

Answer explanation

This can only be achieved in the afterlife

Another word for end purpose

Answer explanation

Natural Law was designed by Aquinas to illustrate what the end purpose is for humanity and to show humanity ways in which to achieve it

Which type of ethic best describes Natural Law's emphasis on universal, fixed and unchanging moral norms which apply in all situations?

• absolutist

• relativist

• teleological

Answer explanation

Aquinas believed God made all actions either good or bad in themselves. They have been made right or wrong from eternity so the situation doesn't matter

The word to describe Natural Law because it judges the action itself rather than the goal, intention or outcome.

• Teleological

• Absolutist

• Relative

• Deontological

Answer explanation

Deon- meaning duty. It is a duty based ethic. An action is right if it follows the rule.

Whilst this ethic is not described as this, it does have some aspects of this

• Teleological

• Absolutist

• Legalistic

• Deontological

Answer explanation

This is because it has an end purpose/telos and sometimes a secondary precept can be broken in a situation to uphold a primary one as they take precedent

The word to describe God given reason.

Answer explanation

Aquinas said we could use this to work out God's ultimate end purpose and what is right. Aquinas called it right reasoning.