Natural Law and Thomas Aquinas

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Questions and Answers

What rights would the proposed bill guarantee for couples?

Access to government housing

Legal recognition and protections (correct)

Employment benefits exclusively

Tax deductions only

What is one argument against the proposed bill mentioned by legislators?

It provides too many benefits.

It allows for tax evasion.

It could increase government spending.

It is not aligned with traditional values. (correct)

Which of the following pairs are explicitly mentioned as potential couples in the proposed bill?

Single individuals only

A man and a woman

Two women (correct)

Two men (correct)

What effect would the bill have on the categorization of couples?

It would introduce new legal rights for certain couples. Signup and view all the answers

What title is Thomas Aquinas known by within the Roman Catholic Church?

Doctor of the Church Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment has been expressed by some legislators regarding the bill?

They believe it is unnatural. Signup and view all the answers

Which religious order was Thomas Aquinas a part of?

Dominicans Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Thomas Aquinas's most significant work?

Summa Theologiae Signup and view all the answers

During which historical period was Thomas Aquinas a prominent intellectual figure?

Scholastic Period Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of theology does Summa Theologiae primarily address?

Christian Theology Signup and view all the answers

What do people often use to justify their beliefs about what is acceptable?

Appeals to what is natural Signup and view all the answers

How is 'natural' commonly understood in the context of beliefs?

As an unquestioned intuition perceived as true Signup and view all the answers

What basis do people use to judge something as unacceptable?

Its classification as unnatural Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents a characteristic of the concept of 'natural'?

It is inherently subjective and personal Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about appeals to naturalness is most accurate?

It is based on individual intuition without questioning Signup and view all the answers

What central promise of the Christian faith is highlighted by Aquinas?

That we are created by God to ultimately return to Him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas suggest about human understanding of God?

Our limited intellect can somewhat grasp God's attributes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following aspects of God can humans say something about, according to Aquinas?

God's goodness, might, and creative power. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical approach does Aquinas adopt regarding human intellect and divine understanding?

Human intellect is limited but can acknowledge certain truths about God. Signup and view all the answers

In relation to the Christian story, what is the significance of being created by God?

It signifies the beginning of a journey to return to Him. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the dynamics of human life according to the Christian story?

A pursuit of happiness Signup and view all the answers

Where does true happiness ultimately rest according to the context provided?

In God himself Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for salvation, as mentioned in the content?

The presence of God's grace Signup and view all the answers

In what form does God's grace become perfectly incarnate?

In the person of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

What does the content imply about striving for ultimate happiness?

It requires divine assistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the second part of the Christian story as it pertains to ethics?

Human life and its striving toward God Signup and view all the answers

How might the idea of living a good life be misinterpreted?

As a guide for simple rule-following Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a source of ethics in the context described?

Personal feelings Signup and view all the answers

In discussing ethics, what aspect is deemed of greatest interest?

Human striving toward a divine relationship Signup and view all the answers

What can be a potential misconception about following the good life according to the discussion?

It simply requires adherence to strict rules Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas consider to be the foundation of ethics?

Natural law Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as necessary for grounding one's sense of ethics according to Aquinas?

Judicious use of reason Signup and view all the answers

Which concept does Aquinas associate closely with human nature in ethics?

Natural law Signup and view all the answers

Which element is deemed essential for living a virtuous life according to Aquinas?

Conscience and virtue Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas argue is necessary to direct our moral judgments?

A clear foundation in ethics Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas believe is the basis for our sense of right and wrong?

An objective basis for morality Signup and view all the answers

According to Aquinas, what role does conscience play in moral thinking?

It must be informed and guided. Signup and view all the answers

In Aquinas' view, what is the ultimate goal of developing one's capacities given by God?

Attaining a disposition of virtue inclined toward the good Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas suggest about the nature of moral obligation?

We are obliged to obey our sense of right and wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What inclination must one's virtues be directed toward, according to Aquinas?

The good Signup and view all the answers

What concept is Plato known for in relation to philosophy?

A supreme and absolutely transcendent good Signup and view all the answers

In which work does Plato explore the idea of an ideal society?

The Republic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of the good in Platonic philosophy?

It is characterized as supreme and transcendent. Signup and view all the answers

What legacy did Plato leave for subsequent philosophical thought?

The enduring idea of a supreme and transcendent good. Signup and view all the answers

How is Plato's idea of the supreme good best characterized?

It is absolute and beyond human comprehension. Signup and view all the answers

What does the belief that God creates imply about His relationship with the universe?

God governs and cares for the activity of the universe and every creature. Signup and view all the answers

How has the Christian concept of creation been influenced?

By the writings of ancient Greek philosophers, particularly Plato. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Neoplatonic Good' suggest in relation to God?

God's goodness is inherent in His creation and governance. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the nature of God's creation according to Neoplatonism?

Creation involves an ongoing relationship between God and His creations. Signup and view all the answers

What role does governance play in the concept of creation as described in the Neoplatonic framework?

Governance is essential and signifies God's active involvement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Natural Law

The natural law is a concept where something is considered "right" because it is natural, and anything unnatural is considered “wrong.”
This theory argues that certain moral principles are inherent to humanity and can be discovered through reason.
There are those who argue that certain actions, such as same-sex relationships are unnatural and therefore wrong.
The concept of natural law is used to justify certain moral stances and potentially influence policy decisions.

Thomas Aquinas and the Context of Natural Law

Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican friar and a highly influential philosopher during the medieval period.
His magnum opus, Summa Theologiae, comprehensively covers key aspects of Christian theology.
Aquinas' work is grounded in Christian faith, which he believes centers around our creation by God and our ultimate return to Him.

The Context of the Christian Story

The Christian faith, according to Aquinas, is characterized by a belief in God's creation, governance, and the promise of salvation.
Aquinas argues that human pursuit of happiness is ultimately found in God himself, not just individual created goods.
He emphasizes that salvation is achieved through God's grace, which is manifested in Jesus Christ.

The Context of Aquinas' Ethics

Aquinas' focus on the pursuit of happiness within the Christian framework leads to his development of a moral theory grounded in natural law.
Aquinas emphasizes the role of conscience in moral thinking, recognizing the internal sense of right and wrong that we are obliged to follow.
He believes that this sense of morality must be grounded in an objective moral basis, which he identifies as natural law.

Aquinas' Ethics and Natural Law

For Aquinas, natural law serves as a stable foundation for morality, providing a clear basis for understanding right and wrong.
According to Aquinas, true morality requires the application of reason and understanding of human nature.
By developing this understanding, individuals can more effectively discern and act upon their internal sense of right and wrong.

### Neoplatonic Good

Aquinas draws heavily on Neoplatonic philosophy, especially from Plato.
Plato's concept of a transcendent good, as described in The Republic, influences Aquinas' notion of God's creation and governance of the universe.
Aquinas believed God's creation is a manifestation of His goodness and care, which is reflected in the intricate order and ongoing activity of the universe.

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Description

Explore the essence of natural law as presented by Thomas Aquinas, an influential medieval philosopher. This quiz delves into the moral principles derived from nature and their implications on human ethics and policy. Understand how Aquinas integrates these concepts within the framework of Christian theology and the Christian narrative.