...Natural Law exists to assist humans to direct their actions in such a way that they may reach their eternal density with God. There is a Natural Law for the physical world and the moral world that is discoverable through observation. The theory of Natural Law was created by Thomas Aquinas, who built his theory on key ideas from Ancient Greeks, in particular The Stoics and Aristotle. Amongst the Stoics teachings was the fact that the universe had a rational and purposeful order; to live in accordance with the universes order one had to follow Natural Law. This meant when making laws, they should be made and developed so that they correspond to nature of the universe. Aquinas taught, on ideas based on Aristotle that good person is someone who fulfils their purpose, meaning acting in accordance to Natural law. Aquinas believed that God had put inclinations in each human to behave in certain was; following our inclinations will lead us to the highest good and fulfil our purpose. The most basic and fundamental inclination that a person has is to do good and avoid evil. This brings about the question of: what actually is good and bad? There are real gods and apparent goods in the world. It was believed by Aquinas that human nature was essentially good, as natural law is absolute and is within everyone. He maintained that humans were oriented towards the achievement of perfection and that they could never knowingly peruse evil. Human actions that are not in pursuit of perfection can be...
Words: 940 - Pages: 4
...Aristotle Name: Aristotle Occupation: Philosopher Birth date: c. 384 BCE Death date: c. 322 BCE Education: Plato's Academy, Lyceum Place of birth: Stagira, Chalcidice, Greece Place of death: Chalcis, Euboea, Greece Synopsis Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was born circa 384 B.C. in Stagira, Greece. When he turned 17, he enrolled in Plato’s Academy. In 338, he began tutoring Alexander the Great. In 335, Aristotle founded his own school, the Lyceum, in Athens, where he spent most of the rest of his life studying, teaching and writing. Aristotle died in 322 B.C., after he left Athens and fled to Chalcis. Early Life In Athens, Aristotle enrolled in Plato’s Academy, Greek’s premier learning institution, and proved an exemplary scholar. Aristotle maintained a relationship with Greek philosopher Plato, himself a student of Socrates, and his academy for two decades. Plato died in 347 B.C. Because Aristotle had disagreed with some of Plato’s philosophical treatises, Aristotle did not inherit the position of director of the academy, as many imagined he would. After Plato died, Aristotle’s friend Hermias, king of Atarneus and Assos in Mysia, invited Aristotle to court. During his three-year stay in Mysia, Aristotle met and married his first wife, Pythias, Hermias’ niece. Together, the couple had a daughter, Pythias, named after her mother. Teaching In 338 B.C., Aristotle went home to Macedonia to start tutoring King Phillip II’s son, the then 13-year-old...
Words: 1228 - Pages: 5
...AS Philosophy & Ethics Course Handbook 2013 to 2014 [pic] OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/hss/rs/index.aspx OCR AS Level Religious Studies (H172) You are studying Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics and will be awarded an OCR AS Level in Religious Studies. The modules and their weightings are: |AS: |Unit Code |Unit Title |% of AS |(% of A Level) | | |G571 |AS Philosophy of Religion |50% |(25%) | | |G572 |AS Religious Ethics |50% |(25%) | If you decide to study for the full A Level you will have to study the following modules at A2: |A2: |Unit Code |Unit Title |(% of A Level) | | |G581 |A2 Philosophy of Religion |(25%) | | |G582 |A2 Religious Ethics |(25%) | Grading | ...
Words: 13036 - Pages: 53
...used to argue the existence of God in the teleological argument). Humans have a duty to conform to Natural Law. If they do not conform it is morally bad. St Thomas Aquinas linked his idea of Natural Law with Aristotle’s view that people have a specific nature, purpose and function. Aristotle said that not only does everything have a purpose, but also it achieves supreme good when it fulfill its purpose. Aristotle stated that the supreme good for humans is to achieve happiness, which can be related to mill’s utilitarianism where our aim is to gain happiness by avoiding pain and gaining pleasure, but Aristotle did not follow the consequentialist nature of utilitarianism. Aristotle said we were to achieve the final goal by living a life of reason based on what we experience, and this follows the deontological nature of Kantian ethics. Aquinas said that humans beings have an essential rational nature given by God in order for us to live and flourish, even without God reason can discover laws that lead to human flourishing, this is why it is also accepted by atheist. Aquinas also said that Natural Law is universal and should be used to judge laws of particular societies. In this theory we have primary precepts and secondary precepts. Primary precepts are fundamental principles revealed to us by God. Aquinas applied these to everyone without exception. The primary precepts are; the preservation of life; reproduction;...
Words: 2221 - Pages: 9
...The Natural law Theory relates to the moral law of God. This theory follows an absolute approach to the fundamental principles; of which are known to be the Primary precepts. There are Five of these (Preservation of life, Ordered Society, Worship of God, Education and reproduction) all of which have applications to them that may change due to our societies, divine mind or a situation demands. These are known as the Secondary Precepts. A Strength of this theory is that its ultimate purpose (primary precept) is for us to gain Eudemonia, where we flourish in our societies and live fulfilling lives in happiness. The theory is absolute to these precepts which allows communities to know what is right and wrong and how we should act in dilemmas for the wellbeing of ourselves and others around us. However although the primary precepts are absolute as long as we originally live by these the secondary ( how we act upon them) is much more flexible as the theory does not expect us to live in constant restriction. It gives a chance to set us free and to fulfil our purpose according to the ‘image of God’. The theory allows us to be able to link our day to day questions of what to do with the fundamental purposes of life. This means that in the lives we live we should be taking into consideration the primary precepts and how we can use this base to act in situations- leading to positive outcomes. The moral actions we take part in are used to determine the goodness we are influenced...
Words: 701 - Pages: 3
...Part (b) ‘Natural Law as an absolutist/deontological theory cannot work in today’s society’ Natural Law was first propounded by Aristotle 4th century BC, it was a secular theory at the time of Aristotle. It was later revived in the 13th century AD by St. Thomas Aquinas, catholic theologian. In today’s society certain aspects of Natural law would be recognised as outdated and a theory that needs to be analysed. Many would agree with the statement ‘Natural law as a theory cannot work in today’s society’. Atheists would dispute the claim that God-given reason and nature provide us with the source of law. As Mel Thompson states in his book Ethical Theory, if one comes to the conclusion based on observation such as innocent suffering the world ‘is unlikely to be the product of an omnipotent or loving creator then the natural law argument loses its foundation. James Rachels also states that ‘the theory of Natural Law has gone out of fashion’. The world described by Newton, Darwin and Galileo has no place for “facts” about right or wrong. Their explanations of natural phenomena make no reference to values or purpose. ‘Perhaps no absolutist laws exist and there are no ‘right or ‘wrong’ actions as defined by a deontological approach. The problem with an absolutist and deontological approach is that it fails to consider several other factors in any moral action such as the individual, the culture, the individual’s situation or the consequences. A follower of situation...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...Wellington College, Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Religious Studies AS Level Edexcel Unit 2: Investigations Abortion A study guide and anthology Contents Introduction A modern controversy: the case of George Tiller (BBC) p. 3 Definitions and technical language p. 6 Methods used p. 7 Family Planning Association fact sheet p. 8 Religion and the Sanctity of Life The Sanctity of Life p. 12 A critique of the Sanctity of Life: Jonathan Glover p. 14 Christian perspectives: Methodists and Catholics p. 16 ‘Ensoulment’, soul, and the sacredness of life p. 18 Religious views in conflict: liberalism and conservatism p. 19 Philosophical Problems in Abortion An argument against abortion p. 20 Personhood p. 21 A ‘person’ as rational and self-conscious: Peter Singer p. 24 Moral rights: the foetus and the mother p. 26 A woman’s right to an abortion: Judith Jarvis Thomson p. 28 ‘Why abortion is immoral’: Don Marquis p. 29 Anthology of Texts Unit 2 model answers: ethics (Edexcel) ‘Why abortion challenges us all’: Rowan Williams ‘Contraception and abortion within Protestant Christianity’: Gloria Albrecht ‘Virtue theory and abortion’: Rosalind Hursthouse Appendix: sample exam questions and level descriptors Notes Pages A Modern Controversy: the Case of George Tiller Profile: George Tiller (2009) To some anti-abortionists George Tiller, who...
Words: 10065 - Pages: 41
...“The wisdom of religious teachings cannot be ignored when making decisions on medical ethics.” The most important issue to consider when evaluating the ethical issue of abortion is the concept of sanctity of life which holds the idea that all life is precious and sacred therefore all life must be equally valued and respected. Natural Christian theologists Aquinas and Aristotle along with Schweitzer believe that as all life has the same value we shouldn’t be allowed to make decisions regarding abortion and we should let all forms of life continue to live regardless of any circumstances. However, philosophers such as Warren, Thomson and Glover argue that people have the right to decide on medical ethics as it is revolved around them (personalism) they believe that people should consider the embryo or foetus isn’t actually a person, therefore we have the authority over them and can agree on what we feel is the right thing to do with it. I disagree with this claim because as people we are exposed to many ethical situations which can have a great effect on us and we should have the first and strongest opinions on what we feel about situations even if this means not following religious principles such as the sanctity of life. The idea of potentiality is based on the pre- embryo has a potential to be human, then it should be given all the significance and respect of a person. This derives from the idea that all life has intrinsic value and people making an ethical decision on terminating...
Words: 3230 - Pages: 13
...the recent election, Massachusetts voters had an opportunity to allow such a procedure as a ballot referendum. Regardless of whether it is legally permissible or not, voluntary active euthanasia (hereafter “VAE”) is morally impermissible. A Natural Law Argument According to the ethics of natural law, “our primary life goal should be to realize as fully as we can our potential as human beings” (Harris 91). To do this, people should use the standard of human nature to act in a way that is in accordance with human nature (92). Our human nature is determined by the common natural inclinations of humans (93). Human nature can be determined the goals humans collectively strive for (93). These ‘natural inclinations’, as referred to by Aquinas, “reflect the structure of our human nature, which natural law directs us to follow” (93). In summation, the moral standard of natural law says, “Those actions are right that promote the values specified by the natural inclinations of human beings” (93). By using the method of observation, natural-law theorists have determined that there are biological values specified by the basic human inclinations (93). Our natural inclination “to preserve our own existence” demonstrates that a...
Words: 2397 - Pages: 10
...4 March: City of God – Utopian Reader – include a little bit on it – 22 volumes in all. Christianity – Augustine – classicly trained greek scholar. City in north Africa. Story like apostle Paul – orginially a person who persecuted Christians – north African wealth family from – found enlightenment in Christianity. Once he joined became one of the early scholars trained in greek – regulized Christian theology. Influence on western world – top four or five who influenced. Confessions and City of God his writings…look up! What’s the purpose of improving human society – complex – why do it? Can human society be made better? Why bother, what is the point, justification? Takes effort, misery involved, change, unknowns, takes energy, takes risks. HAPPINESS – justification for improving society. What do you have to have to be happy? What is happiness – PHI 101 – happiness according to whom? Lack of misery; literally the elimination of misery. Secondly, food – gives pleasure – Happiness is lack of human misery and maximizing /pleasure and happiness. Bliss 24/7 – hedonism Epicureanism – eliminating misery and maximizing happiness. The justification of utopianism = why did plato want the republic? Justisifcation for improving human society among the Greeks? Poor always poor, always unhappy, death claims everyone - it is rational to maximize pleasure and eliminate misery. Do eternally accouding to plato. Opinions – 1. Relativism is a retreat in the 20th century. Can’t...
Words: 44275 - Pages: 178
...AS Religious Ethics Some key terms: Teleological – the idea that the ‘end’ (effect) of an action should be considered when deciding whether the action is right or wrong. Relativism – morality depends on the situation an individual is in. So one thing can be right in one situation and wrong in another. This approach is adaptable to the situation and it is natural to think of the effects of our actions, however we cannot always accurately predict the effects of our actions. Deontological – the idea that acts are inherently right or wrong; they are right or wrong by their very nature. Absolutism – the idea that things are right or wrong, and remain so in all situations. This approach is clear-cut as it leads a list of what is right and wrong, however it is inflexible; it doesn’t consider the situation, and who decides what is right and wrong? Subjective morality – when moral judgements are based on individual opinions. Respects individual opinions and people can take responsibility for their own actions, however do all individuals opinions deserve respect? This may lead to disagreements. Objective morality – when moral judgements are based on external values/systems/rules. This approach gives authorities the ability to give guidance and advice, however there is disagreement about which authorities to trust. Utilitarianism (Teleological/Relativist): Is an ethical theory, which aims to help us work out what is right, and what is wrong. It focuses on bringing...
Words: 2216 - Pages: 9
...“Unnatural Deeds Do Breed Unnatural Troubles”: The Supernatural and the Natural Order in Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth In order to assimilate into the worlds of William Shakespeare’s most enthralling tragedies, entirely coherent atmospheres must be accommodated. Hamlet and Macbeth each introduce a spectrum of radical physical and metaphysical concepts which allow audiences the opportunity to understand the fabric of the universe as being much more tightly woven than previously conceivable. One of Shakespeare’s great consummations as a writer is explaining supposed and naturally occurring phenomena during a time when people readily accepted the existence of supernatural beings without reasoning or understanding. Each of the plays begins with a paranormal occurrence, delivered in the form of a ghost and a threesome of witches respectively. Shakespeare uses the shocking unrealism of such occurrences to illustrate disturbances to natural order. Specifically, Hamlet and Macbeth showcase the supernatural to convey nature’s innate responsiveness to human immorality. Prior to examining the crude repercussions of immorality, natural law and conscience must be traced in accordance with Hamlet and Macbeth to distinguish evil deeds from justifiable human action. Conscience is an awareness of a natural order which gives life significance and purpose under a natural law. The mind is compelled to seek out rationality and organization provided by such a natural order. Shakespeare’s tragic...
Words: 1769 - Pages: 8
...Chapter 1 The Imperatives of Ethics Ethics presupposes some imperatives or sine qua non, those without which Ethics would not be possible. These imperatives are: 1) the existence of God or a Supreme Being; 2) the existence of human freedom; 3) the existence of an afterlife, i.e. life beyond the grave, or the immortality of the soul. 1. The existence of God or a Supreme Being Without the existence of God or a Supreme Being, Ethics would make no sense. There is no reason for man to deny himself evil but pleasurable acts if there were no final judge to dispense justice. When one speaks off morality or the goodness or badness of human acts, one idea, is presupposed: retribution. Retribution means that good acts deserve reward; bad acts deserve punishment. Reward and punishment are presupposed by morality. Who metes out reward or punishment? It must be a Lawgiver or an Arbiter of Morality, One who dispenses retributive justice. Without this being, the whole structure of Ethics will collapse. At this early point, it must be explained that cultures other than the Christian speak of retribution in a different way. In some cases, the Supreme Being is not a personal God in Whom Christians believe, but rather a law or a process. These cultures had been in existence long before the biblical and Christian eras. The people of these ancient cultures arrived at these concepts by way of human reasoning without the aid of divine revelation. The Indians do not accept the...
Words: 9309 - Pages: 38
...ABSTRACT The most important general and theoretical horizons regarding bioethics refer to the foundation of ethical theories. We can talk about two main general categories in which we can place the ethical theories: teleological and deontological. From the first category we enumerate the Aristotelian perspective or the one developed by J. St. Mill, while the Kantian perspective is exemplary for deontological ethics. According to the teleological perspective, a form of human behavior is described as moral or non-moral according to the goals explicitly set. The mere achievement of these goals is a necessary and sufficient condition to qualify as moral people’s actions or deeds without taking into account the “intermediate stages” of the actions performed to achieve those goals. Deontology, as a general horizon of articulating the ethical theories, believes on the contrary that in every moment of our existence, every action or deed that we accomplish can be described as moral or non-moral according to the ethical principles underlying our behavior. The very important consequences arising from the two general theoretical horizons concern two different perspectives on “human nature”, or what we call the essence of the human being. Starting from this horizon we will have the consequentialist and deontological dimensions related to euthanasia. The bioethical dimension in which we will discuss the issue of euthanasia involves both dimensions or horizons. The arguments against...
Words: 9099 - Pages: 37
...Ethical Movie Debate Crash Synopsis This movie is set in Los Angeles where a group of citizens whose lives simultaneously collide with each other in interlinking stories of race, loss and redemption over a 36 hour period. First of all we see a detective (Graham) who had his vehicle spun off the road, talking about how people crash into each other just to feel something and then he proceeds off to investigate a homicide on the side of a road while his female partner (Ria) confronts the person responsible for the crash and both make racial slurs at each other (the other driver being a Chinese lady). We are taken back to ‘yesterday’ where a Persian man (Farhad) and his daughter (Dorri) are buying a handgun. The gun shop owner is getting angry at the man for speaking Farsi and which ends with Farhad being escorted out of the store. Dorri then picks a free box of ammo to go with the gun and leaves the store. Then we jump to two young black men called Anthony and Peter who have just left a restaurant. Anthony complains about how they were the victims of racism and poor service while Peter doesn’t really find what happened that big of an ordeal. A white couple then walk down the same street, Rick and Jean who sees Anthony and Peter then proceeds to grab her husband’s arm. Anthony sees this as a racial gesture and then they draw handguns and carjack them as they are entering their vehicle, and Peter puts a St. Christopher statue on the dashboard that is regarded as the patron saint...
Words: 5987 - Pages: 24
