Philo 23: Introduction to Aquinas

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes Human Law from Natural Law?

Human Law is universal and unchangeable.

Human Law is only relevant within religious contexts.

Human Law is derived from divine revelations.

Human Law is created by human authorities to enforce Natural Law. (correct)

Which statement correctly describes Divine Law?

Divine Law is created by human lawmaking bodies.

Divine Law has no influence on moral judgments.

Divine Law is discovered through personal intuition.

Divine Law is a result of divine revelation found in scripture. (correct)

What are Primary Precepts according to Aquinas's Natural Law Theory?

Guidelines that can change depending on circumstances.

Specific laws created to meet societal needs.

Universal moral principles that are absolute and true for all. (correct)

Only applicable in religious settings.

In Aquinas's theory, what role does the Doctrine of Double Effect play?

It evaluates situations where one action leads to both good and bad consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What statement about Secondary Precepts is accurate?

They vary according to societal context but must align with Natural Law. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of telos in Aquinas's Natural Law theory?

A teacher helping students realize their potential. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Divine Law, which of the following is a direct example?

The Ten Commandments given in religious scripture. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the moral acceptability of Human Law?

It is only morally acceptable if consistent with Natural Law. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Mill’s qualitative utilitarianism from Bentham’s approach?

It prioritizes rule adherence over direct consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Act Utilitarianism as presented by Bentham?

Evaluating the consequences of individual actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Harm Principle in Mill’s rule utilitarianism?

Power can only be exercised to prevent harm to others. Signup and view all the answers

What do competent judges prefer according to Mill’s qualitative utilitarianism?

Higher pleasures because of their greater value. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mill’s approach address the criticism that utilitarianism is overly hedonistic?

By emphasizing the significance of higher pleasures. Signup and view all the answers

What does Weak Rule Utilitarianism allow for that Strong Rule Utilitarianism does not?

Breaking rules if overall happiness can be increased. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Mill’s utilitarianism is true?

It explicitly addresses minority rights and partiality. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature that differentiates higher pleasures from lower pleasures in Mill’s theory?

Higher pleasures provide greater intellectual and emotional fulfillment. Signup and view all the answers

What character trait is described as the most important virtuous disposition?

Practical wisdom Signup and view all the answers

How do voluntary actions differ from involuntary actions?

Voluntary actions are made freely while involuntary actions are affected by force or ignorance. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential criticism of virtue ethics mentioned?

It can lead to circular reasoning in defining virtue. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between virtuous dispositions and eudaimonia?

Virtuous dispositions may not always contribute to eudaimonia. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key idea in Kantian ethics?

Virtue Ethics Signup and view all the answers

What defines an action's moral worth according to Kantian ethics?

The adherence to universal laws Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes acting in accordance with duty from acting for the sake of duty?

Intentions behind the actions Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Good Will' represent in Kantian ethics?

The only thing that is unconditionally good Signup and view all the answers

What does the hypothetical imperative suggest about actions?

They depend on personal desires or goals. Signup and view all the answers

Which formulation of the categorical imperative emphasizes treating humanity as an end?

Second formulation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bentham's Principle of Utility assert about actions?

Actions are considered right if they produce happiness or pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What does the original position ensure regarding fairness?

No knowledge of personal status or fortune. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first principle of justice according to the rights and duties framework?

Everyone should have equal basic liberties. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does NOT describe Bentham's Utilitarianism?

Absolutist Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of compensating benefits state regarding inequalities?

They are acceptable if they benefit the least advantaged. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Bentham's Utilitarianism, what does the term 'maximising' refer to?

Striving to achieve pleasure for the highest number of people. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'consequentialist' in Bentham's Utilitarianism?

The rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by their outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of justice, what purpose do major institutions serve?

They determine individuals' rights and duties. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the concept of a 'veil of ignorance' important in the original position?

It ensures the choices made are fair and unbiased. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bentham's Utilitarianism view moral actions in terms of impartiality?

Everyone's happiness carries equal weight in moral considerations. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bentham's hedonistic perspective define good and evil?

Pleasure is the only intrinsic good, and pain is the only intrinsic evil. Signup and view all the answers

What is key to the principle of equality in justice?

Each person has equal rights to extensive liberties. Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates Bentham's relativism in moral philosophy?

Arguing that lying can be acceptable if it benefits someone. Signup and view all the answers

What belief is associated with Bentham’s view on law and politics?

Active participation in societal issues is essential for moral development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Aquinas' Natural Law Theory?

The relationship between morality and divine command Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the types of law in Aquinas' Natural Law Theory?

Hedonic Law Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical problem does Aquinas' Natural Law Theory seek to address through the Euthyphro Dilemma?

The relationship between laws and morality Signup and view all the answers

Which concept evaluates actions based on their outcomes while considering both good and bad effects?

The Doctrine of Double Effect Signup and view all the answers

What is one major criticism of Bentham's version of Utilitarianism?

It fails to consider the quality of pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher introduced the concept of qualitative utilitarianism in contrast to Bentham's approach?

John Stuart Mill Signup and view all the answers

What type of modern utilitarianism is associated with Peter Singer?

Preference Utilitarianism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of hedonistic calculus in Bentham's Utilitarianism?

A systematic method to quantify pleasure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Outline Paper for Philo 23

Submitted by: Cedric James Negradas
Submitted to: Sir. Gabriel Kintanar
Date of submission: 12/09/2024
Course: Philo 23

Introduction to Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was a revolutionary thinker in philosophy, theology, and science.
He was a member of the Dominican Friars.
Aquinas integrated Aristotelian ideas into theology.
His most famous work, Summa Theologica, contains influential ideas, such as proofs for God's existence.

Motivating Natural Law Theory: The Euthyphro Dilemma and Divine Command Theory

Many religions argue morality is determined by God's commands.
Aquinas critiques this, identifying a problem:
- Morality becomes arbitrary if something is good simply because God commands it.
- Morality exists independently of God's will if God commands something because it is inherently good.
The Euthyphro Dilemma asks:
- Does God command something because it is right, or is it right because God commands it?
God's commands help reveal moral truths, but do not determine them.
Aquinas positions morality as rooted in reason and the natural order.

Four Types of Law in Aquinas Natural Law Theory

Eternal Law: God's plan/purpose for all things; reflects God's rational purpose and has always existed.
Natural Law: Our participation in the Eternal Law, which leads to primary precepts. Humans use reason to grasp this natural law.
Human Law: Laws created by governments; only morally acceptable if consistent with Natural Law.
Divine Law: Discovered through revelation; equivalent to Human law, laws given by God (e.g., Ten Commandments).

Summary of Aquinas Natural Law Theory

Everything has a purpose (telos).
Actions are morally right if they fulfill that purpose.
Primary Precepts are general and absolute, but Secondary Precepts may vary based on societal context.
Divine Law clarifies issues where human reasoning is fallible

Doctrine of Double Effect (DDE)

The DDE addresses situations where actions produce both good and bad effects.
An action is not just about external actions but also internal motivations.
An act is morally acceptable if it fulfills these four conditions:
- The act itself must be a good one.
- The good effect must come about before the bad effect.
- The intention must be good.
- It must be the intention to cause the good effects.

Some Thoughts About Natural Law Theory

Aquinas' theory asserts that if something is natural—fulfills its function—it is morally acceptable.
Determining morality solely by what is natural or not is problematic.
Natural phenomena can be morally acceptable or unacceptable.

Introduction to Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism suggests judging morality by weighing future possible actions' promotion of general wellbeing, including other people's lives.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of Thomas Aquinas' philosophy, including his integration of Aristotelian thought into theology and his critique of Divine Command Theory through the Euthyphro Dilemma. This quiz delves into Aquinas' significant contributions, particularly in his famous work, Summa Theologica.