Norms of Morality: Eternal and Natural Law I ETHICS

Summary

This discussion explores the morality of law, focusing on eternal and natural law. It defines norms of morality as standards for assessing human actions and highlights two types: the objective eternal divine law and the subjective human reason. Law is described as a directive aimed at the common good, with essential elements such as justice, honesty, and universality. The eternal law reflects God's design for the universe, while the natural moral law is the eternal law understood through human reason. The session emphasizes the importance of authority and the universal applicability of natural law principles in guiding ethical behavior.

Takeaways

• 😀 Norms of morality serve as standards for determining the goodness or badness of human actions.
• 😀 There are two primary norms of morality: eternal divine law (objective) and human reason (subjective).
• 📜 Law is defined broadly as a rule governing nature or human actions, and narrowly as the regulation of free acts by rational beings.
• 💡 Moral law, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, is an ordinance of reason for the common good, enacted by legitimate authority.
• ⚖️ For a law to be reasonable, it must be just, honest, possible to fulfill, relatively permanent, promulgated, directed to the common good, and established by competent authority.
• 🌌 Eternal law is God's grand design, governing all creation and ensuring cosmic order.
• 🌍 Natural moral law, also known as the law of conscience, is how humans interpret the eternal law through reason.
• 🔗 The eternal law is eternal and unchangeable, reflecting God's immutable nature.
• 🌐 Natural law is universal, applicable to all individuals regardless of cultural or social differences.
• ⚠️ The natural law carries obligations, sanctions for disobedience, and is knowable through human reason.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the discussion in the transcript?

The discussion focuses on the morality of law, specifically examining eternal law and natural law.

How is a 'norm' defined in the context of morality?

A norm is defined as a rule, standard, or measure by which actions are judged as good or bad, right or wrong.

What are the two types of norms of morality mentioned?

The two types of norms of morality are eternal divine law and human reason.

What distinguishes eternal divine law from human reason?

Eternal divine law is objective and independent of human standards, while human reason is subjective and relates to individual conscience.

How is law broadly defined in the transcript?

Law is broadly defined as a rule or norm governing the actions of beings, applicable to both animate and inanimate objects.

What is a moral law according to St. Thomas Aquinas?

A moral law is defined as an ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by someone who cares for the community.

What are the essential elements for a law to be considered reasonable?

The essential elements include being just, honest, possible of fulfillment, relatively permanent, promulgated, directed to the common good, and established by legitimate authority.

What is eternal law according to the discussion?

Eternal law is described as God's grand design in creating the universe, encompassing the natural order and the specific nature assigned to each creature.

How does the natural moral law relate to eternal law?

Natural moral law is seen as the eternal law made known to humans through their reason or conscience, guiding them towards good actions.

What are some examples of the fundamental enunciations of natural law?

Examples include the principles of doing good and avoiding evil, preserving right order, and prohibitions against murder, lying, and stealing.