We are learning the different precepts of Aquinas’ theory

This theory is absolute and deontological, this

means that it is concerned with ‘action’.

In his work “Summa Theological Aquinas described natural law as a moral code

existing within the purpose of nature, created by

God, ”law is nothing else than an Ordination of

reason for the common good”

For Aquinas, the purpose of human life was to achieve perfection with God. For Aquinas this perfection could not be discovered by natural law alone. He also appealed to eternal law and

divine law.

Eternal law refers to the principles by which God governs the universe

Divine law refers to the Bible, which guides us in reaching our goal of perfection.

Natural law is the part of eternal law that applies to human choices and can be known by our natural reason

For Aquinas this perfection was not achievable in this life, but only after death.

In four words, 'Do good, avoid evil'. In more detail, Aquinas

talked of Primary Precepts. Whilst you probably think of Natural Law as a deontological position (deon- duty; deontological ethical positions have absolute rules that it

is our duty to follow), this part is teleological. Telos-

purpose. What is our purpose – what are we designed for? Protection of the innocent Reproduction Ordered society Worship God Learning

Apparent good – Something which seems to be good or the right thing to do but which does not fit the perfect human ideal.

Real good – The right thing to do – it fits the human ideal.

Precept – Law Primary precept – The fundamental

principle of Natural Law. Secondary precept – These are worked out

from the primary precepts.

Aquinas regarded each precept as a part of a path towards the ultimate purpose in life.

The primary precepts are set in stone whereas the secondary precepts can vary from the law of the land to accepted codes of behaviour within our own family. They are practical human rules which govern our daily behaviour…

To arrive at the secondary precepts you have to reason what would be an essential route to get towards this primary precept.

Preservation of life

Reproduction

Order in Society

Worship God

Learning

Do not kill

No Capital Punishment

No Contraception

Permit IVF and Surrogacy

Do not steal

Build more homes

Hold school assemblies

Set one day a week aside for worship -eg Sunday.

Free education for children and university students

Make schooling compulsory

Aquinas thought that Aquinas thought that God had instilled in all God had instilled in all humans inclinations to humans inclinations to behave in certain ways behave in certain ways which lead us to the which lead us to the highest good.highest good. By using our reason, By using our reason,

we can discover the we can discover the preceptsprecepts which express which express God’s Natural Law build God’s Natural Law build into us.into us.

““ACHIEVE GOOD AND AVOID EVIL”ACHIEVE GOOD AND AVOID EVIL”““ACHIEVE GOOD AND AVOID EVIL”ACHIEVE GOOD AND AVOID EVIL”

“This is the most

fundamental

inclination you know”

According to Aquinas, we are designed

for one purpose -

perfection.

“I’m perfect

”

“I’m perfect

”

Aquinas does, however, accept that people get things wrong.

He calls this the apparent good.

I’m married, but I love this

girl.

Natural law is within all of us, but it is not like a physical law that can be followed. It derives from reason and reason can sometimes be in error.

In order to work out what is a real good and what is an apparent good we need to use our reason correctly and chose the right things to do.

This is an ‘ideal’ human nature that we can all live up to.

When humans act in accordance with their true nature, they act in accordance to their final purpose (telos).

When we look at Natural Law in this way, we learn that it is not so much a theory or a way of making moral decisions , but rather a way of stressing that our human nature is knowable and we need to use our reason to know and understand it.

For Aquinas, both the intention and the act are important.

To act in a good way for the wrong reason is to perform a good exterior act but a bad interior act.

I help an old lady across the road.

I do it to impress someone.

GOODEXTERIOR

ACT

BADINTERIOR

ACT

I steal money.

I give the money to a friend in need.

BAD EXTERIORACT

GOODINTERIOR

ACT

According to Aquinas, the theft of the money is not made good by my intention to help my friend.

Acts are intrinsically good or bad.

When humans act in accordance with their telos, God is glorified.

Causistry is the name given to the process of applying Natural Law principles to specific situations.   This is

done in a logical way, as some principles have logical consequences.  For example, if it is in principle wrong to

kill innocent human beings, it follows that bombing civilian targets (such as Dresden in WW2) is wrong.  However, if it is accepted that killing in self defence is okay, we could justify an air attack on Afghanistan on these grounds.Innocent people might die, but that is not the aim of the action, so the doctrine of double effect comes in to play.

Double effect refers to situations where there is an intended outcome and another significant but unintentional outcome. According to Natural Law it is our intentions that are important, not the consequences of our actions. Double effect would not allow you to perform an action where an unintended outcome had devastating effects.

Four conditions must be met…1. We do not wish the evil effects and make all

reasonable efforts to avoid them2. The immediate effect in itself should be good3. The evil is not made a means to obtain the

good4. The good effect should be as important,

proportionately at least, as the evil effect.

Complete the yellow summary worksheet.