Natural Law

- Seen as a valuable approach for solving moral dilemmas not in the Bible (no Biblical precedent).

• An action can be morally good in itself, even if it brings about suffering.
• It is unnatural to not follow the law
• NL is culturally universal, not religious as it is discoverable by anyone. Based on reason, not revelation.
• Fixed laws, right and wrong. Feelings can change so it is rational, not based on the feelings of those involved.
• Legalism is everlasting

Artistotle: Theory derived from Aristotle's idea that 'everything has a purpose'.

• Purpose can be found in design (or natural form) and the fulfilment of that design is the 'supreme good' 
• Human reason (given by God) is a starting point for morality. Whilst it is fundamentally flawed, it is given by God (Prime Mover for Aristotle)
• Reason could offer a logical basis for  moral precepts known through revelation.
• Final and Efficient Cause: Efficient = the agent of change. Final = the purpose of the creation
• If God is the efficient cause, we should understand the purpose of the universe
• Anything produced, has an end purpose/goal (given by the creator)
• Humans work out their own ends/purposes through reasoning

Aquinas:

• NL approach is based upon the religious conviction that God created the world, est. a sense of order and purpose
• Asks what our nature is and derives rules from this
• Fulfilling our purpose is our only 'good' for humans

Primary & Secondary Precepts:

 - Primary: The purpose of humans

 -"Good is to done and evil is to be avoided"

- PREGS (Protect and preserve human life, Reproduce and Educate offspring, know God and live in Society)

- Secondary:

- Rules derived from the primary precepts using practical reason

- Sometimes refer to an action that is always wrong and…