✔
2.2.3 Natural Moral Law
📝 Key People: Aquinas, B Hoose
what it is
Absolutist (non-negotiable) and deontological (rule-based) approach to ethics,
prescribing fixed tomorrow rules and real duties
The theory of natural morality is ancient – the view that humans have an inherent sense
of right/wrong
The natural is that fits everywhere is equally valid - ARISTOTLE
Stoic philosophers emphasise the importance of rationality in the working of the world
True law is right reason in agreement with nature - CICERO
NML is known as a Christian system of ethics (in Romans 1 Saint Paul argues that some
morals are from nature)
thomas aquinas
In ‘Summa Theologica’ (Summing up Theology), Aquinas argues that Natural Law
resides in the purpose of nature, created by God
NML helps humans achieve their destiny- creating a union with God
He argues that a very basic law is evident in nature and known through reason
Good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided. All other
precepts of the law of nature are based on this. - AQUINAS
God’s law is perceived through reason and revelation- NML is a rational system of ethics
but should find agreement with what is revealed through the scriptures (immoral lives
2.2.3 Natural Moral Law 1
2.2.3 Natural Moral Law
📝 Key People: Aquinas, B Hoose
what it is
Absolutist (non-negotiable) and deontological (rule-based) approach to ethics,
prescribing fixed tomorrow rules and real duties
The theory of natural morality is ancient – the view that humans have an inherent sense
of right/wrong
The natural is that fits everywhere is equally valid - ARISTOTLE
Stoic philosophers emphasise the importance of rationality in the working of the world
True law is right reason in agreement with nature - CICERO
NML is known as a Christian system of ethics (in Romans 1 Saint Paul argues that some
morals are from nature)
thomas aquinas
In ‘Summa Theologica’ (Summing up Theology), Aquinas argues that Natural Law
resides in the purpose of nature, created by God
NML helps humans achieve their destiny- creating a union with God
He argues that a very basic law is evident in nature and known through reason
Good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided. All other
precepts of the law of nature are based on this. - AQUINAS
God’s law is perceived through reason and revelation- NML is a rational system of ethics
but should find agreement with what is revealed through the scriptures (immoral lives
2.2.3 Natural Moral Law 1
