Cultural Perspectives: Natural Law & Christian Virtue

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Questions and Answers

What does Thomistic Natural Law Theory primarily emphasize in determining morality?

The natural function or final cause of things. (correct)

The consensus of societal norms.

The laws set by governments.

The subjective opinions of individuals.

Which of Aquinas' proofs argues that God is necessary for the existence of contingent beings?

The argument from motion.

The argument from efficient cause.

The argument from gradation. (correct)

The argument from design.

In the context of Christian teleology, what is implied about nature's goodness?

Nature is inherently flawed and sinful.

Nature is indifferent and lacks purpose.

Nature operates independently of divine influence.

Nature seeks to reach its highest form of goodness. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the relationship between natural law and virtue ethics?

Natural law provides a framework that supports the cultivation of virtues. Signup and view all the answers

Which of Aquinas' arguments suggests that there is a maximum or ideal standard for comparison?

The argument from gradation. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical implication does Thomistic Natural Law Theory hold for scientific practice?

Scientific actions should align with the natural functions intended by God. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas characterize God's role in relation to the concept of perfection?

God serves as the source and model of all perfection. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Aquinas' Five Proofs for the Existence of God?

The argument from authority. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the moral act's species according to Aquinas?

The intention behind the act Signup and view all the answers

What does the Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE) allow for in moral decision-making?

A good intention to overshadow bad effects under certain conditions Signup and view all the answers

How does the Evolutionary Natural Law Theory approach morality?

By considering the balance observed in nature Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of Christian Virtue Theory in contrast to mere rule-following?

Emphasis on good character Signup and view all the answers

In the Sermon on the Mount, what metaphor does Jesus use to illustrate the importance of good deeds?

A city on a hill Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of human existence according to Christian Teleology?

To find well-being through a relationship with God Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of Teleology?

A philosophical idea that all processes are pointed toward an end or purpose Signup and view all the answers

What criticism does Michael Pollan express regarding factory farms?

They restrict animal instincts for antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher's influence is notable in early Christian thought regarding virtue ethics?

Aristotle Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cause in Aquinas’ Teleological Approach answers the question 'What is it made of?'?

Material Cause Signup and view all the answers

What does David Suzuki emphasize about our connection to the natural world?

Every action carries responsibilities due to interconnectedness Signup and view all the answers

What does the Doctrine of Double Effect state?

One act can have two effects, only one of which is intended. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Aquinas' ethics, how is a tyrannical government viewed?

As unnatural and immoral due to inhibiting well-being Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical tradition does Aquinas’ Natural Law Theory primarily align with?

Virtue Ethics Signup and view all the answers

What is the Final Cause related to in Aquinas’ Teleological Approach?

The natural purpose or end of a being or action Signup and view all the answers

How does Aquinas' argument for an intelligent Supreme Being blend logic and nature?

By asserting that reason and nature can reveal God's will Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES (Part I): NATURAL LAW & CHRISTIAN VIRTUE THEORY

This part explores ethics for science programs, focusing on natural law and Christian virtue theory.

NATURAL LAW THEORY

An ethical theory, developed by St. Thomas Aquinas, determines morality based on the natural function (telos or “final cause”) of things, in accordance with God's intelligent design of nature.
It's a Christianized version of Aristotelian ethics.
The Thomistic Natural Law Theory forms a foundational principle of most ethical doctrines within the Roman Catholic Church since the late Middle Ages.

THOMAS AQUINAS (1225-1274)

Defined law as a dictate of practical reason emanating from a ruler governing a perfect community.
Believed the entire universe is governed by divine reason.
His work, Summa Theologica, details these ideas.

TYPES OF LAW

Eternal Law: Set by God, aimed at maintaining universal order. Examples include planetary motions and laws of logic.
Natural Law: Based on the rational order of nature; aims to fulfill the intended purpose of all things (e.g., natural processes, animal instincts, human reason).
Human/Civil Law: Based on social conventions, aiming to bring about earthly happiness and peace (e.g., taxes, criminal laws).
Divine/Revealed Law: Found in religious texts (e.g., the Bible, Torah) with the purpose of achieving eternal happiness/salvation (e.g., Ten Commandments, Jesus’ teachings, Church creeds).

AQUINAS' FIVE PROOFS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Argument from Motion: Change in nature necessitates a first cause (God). The "Unmoved Mover."
Argument from Efficient Cause: Everything has a cause; an infinite regress is impossible. God is the "First Cause."
Argument from Contingency: Contingent beings (things that could exist or not exist) require a necessary being (God) to explain their existence.
Argument from Gradation: Comparison of things in nature reveals a hierarchy, culminating in a supreme model (God). (Better/Best, Good)
Argument from Design: Teleological argument; order and purpose in natural processes suggest an intelligent designer (God).

CHRISTIAN TELEOLOGY

A doctrine explaining processes as guided by a natural end or purpose.
Christian belief posits God as the creator and law-giver, directing all natural order and purpose.
Humans' purpose is to attain well-being, connect with God, and live in eternal communion with the creator.

AQUINAS' TELEOLOGICAL APPROACH TO ETHICS

Material Cause: What a thing is made of.
Formal Cause: What a thing is, defined.
Efficient Cause: Who/what shaped the thing.
Final Cause: Purpose or intended use of a thing.

THE DOCTRINE OF DOUBLE EFFECT (DDE)

Explains that an act that has both good and bad consequences is permissible if the bad effect is unintended/unavoidable, and outweighed by the good effect.
Often seen in areas of self-defense or defense of others.

THE EVOLUTIONARY NATURAL LAW THEORY

An ethical theory suggesting morality follows optimal balance in nature, in accordance with natural selection.
Growing in popularity among secular environmentalists.

DAVID SUZUKI (1936-?)

Stressed human interconnectedness with the natural world, highlighting the repercussions of any deliberate act.

MICHAEL POLLAN (1955-?)

Examined how factory farming disregards natural evolutionary rules and instincts, often relying on antibiotics.

CHRISTIAN VIRTUE THEORY

Influenced by Greek thought (e.g., Plato & Aristotle).
Emphasizes good character over mere obedience to rules.
Examples from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 14-16) about being the light of the world.

Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

Proposed three stages of existence (Aesthetic, Ethical, Religious)
Emphasized the leap of faith and trust in God as the core of authentic morality.

THREE VERSIONS OF CHRISTIAN VIRTUE THEORY

Simone Weil (1909-1943): Emphasized self-negation and humility.
G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936): Focused on child-like amazement and gratitude.

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Description

This quiz delves into the principles of natural law and Christian virtue theory, focused on the ethical frameworks established by St. Thomas Aquinas. It discusses how these theories influence ethics in scientific contexts and their foundational role in Roman Catholic moral teaching.