St. Thomas' Natural Law Ethics

Summary

This presentation delves into Saint Thomas Aquinas's natural law ethics, emphasizing reason as the foundation of moral law aimed at promoting good and avoiding evil. It outlines the four types of law—Eternal, Natural, Divine, and Human—and discusses the threefold natural inclinations of self-preservation, social interaction, and reproduction. Additionally, it highlights the determinants of moral action: object, circumstances, and end, while introducing the principles of double effect to evaluate actions with conflicting outcomes. Through examples, the presentation illustrates the moral implications of actions according to Aquinas's ethical framework.

Takeaways

• 😀 Natural law ethics, developed by Saint Thomas Aquinas, emphasizes reason as the foundation of moral law.
• 😀 Aquinas identifies four types of law: Eternal Law, Natural Law, Divine Law, and Human Law.
• 😀 The core principle of natural law ethics is to do good and avoid evil, guided by human reason.
• 😀 Aquinas outlines three natural inclinations: self-preservation, social interaction, and reproduction.
• 😀 The morality of an action is determined by its object, circumstance, and end, according to Aquinas.
• 😀 The principles of double effect allow for evaluating actions that yield both good and bad outcomes.
• 😀 An act is morally acceptable if the intended good outweighs the unintended evil effects.
• 😀 For an action to be considered moral, all determinants (object, circumstance, and end) must align positively.
• 😀 Aquinas's framework addresses ethical dilemmas in various fields, including medical and legal ethics.
• 😀 The killing of a drug lord is deemed intrinsically immoral, regardless of potential societal benefits.

Q & A

What is the basic idea behind natural law ethics according to Saint Thomas Aquinas?

The basic idea is that reason is the source of moral law, guiding individuals toward the good and making moral decisions based on their nature.

What are the four types of law identified by Aquinas?

The four types of law are Eternal Law, Natural Law, Divine Law, and Human Law.

How does Aquinas define Eternal Law?

Eternal Law is God's wisdom that directs all beings toward their ultimate end, which is God Himself.

What is Natural Law according to Aquinas?

Natural Law is the part of Eternal Law that is discoverable by reason and is inherent in human nature.

What does Aquinas mean by the threefold natural inclination of humans?

Aquinas identifies three natural inclinations: self-preservation, social living, and the propagation of the species, which guide moral behavior.

What are the three determinants of moral action as proposed by Aquinas?

The three determinants are the object of the act, the circumstances surrounding the act, and the end or intention behind the act.

What is the significance of the principle of double effect in Aquinas' ethics?

The principle of double effect helps assess actions that have both good and evil outcomes, ensuring that the action can be considered moral if certain conditions are met.

Can you explain one of the principles of double effect?

One principle states that the act must be good in itself or at least morally indifferent; if the act is inherently evil, it cannot be justified regardless of the outcome.

How does Aquinas evaluate the morality of removing a cancerous uterus from a pregnant woman?

Aquinas would evaluate it using the principles of double effect, determining that if the intention is to save the woman's life and the death of the fetus is not intended but permitted, the action may be considered morally permissible.

Why would killing a drug lord be considered intrinsically immoral according to Aquinas?

Killing a drug lord is seen as intrinsically immoral because the act itself is evil, violating the first principle of double effect, regardless of any potential benefits it might bring.