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Questions and Answers
According to St. Thomas, how is a law defined?
What is a key characteristic that distinguishes law from plea or advice?
What aspect is emphasized in a just law according to the content?
What does eternal law exemplify according to St. Augustine?
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What is one of the essential characteristics of eternal law as described?
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What role does promulgation play in the definition of law?
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Who is responsible for enacting laws as per the provided content?
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What is the main purpose of law in relation to human acts?
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What is the nature of eternal law in relation to rational creatures?
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Which statement best describes the application of eternal law?
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What is the relationship between natural law and eternal law?
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How does man's participation in eternal law manifest according to the content?
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What aspect of the universe does natural law govern?
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According to the description, what does the 'light of natural reason' signify?
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What role does natural law play in the inclination of rational creatures?
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What is man's natural disposition concerning natural law?
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How does man come to understand moral principles according to the content?
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What does the term 'immutable laws' refer to in the context of natural law?
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What characterizes the natural moral law as described in the content?
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What does the content suggest about the recognition of good and evil in humanity?
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What does the natural law require for human perfection?
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Why cannot natural inclinations be considered illusions?
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How is the moral order viewed in relation to human nature?
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What is described as 'not a mere mathematical process' for discovering the moral order?
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What characteristic of natural law indicates that it is valid for all people at all times?
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Which property of natural law imposes a moral responsibility on individuals?
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What aspect of natural law ensures that it cannot be altered or changed?
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Which of the following is considered a fundamental moral principle of natural law?
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What is an example of a general moral principle found in natural law?
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Which category of natural law involves complex moral reasoning such as mercy killing or indissolubility of marriage?
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In natural law, which of the following is considered a principle regarding one's relationship with God?
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What does the natural law express about the knowledge of moral duties?
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What condition indicates that ignorance concerning natural law can be invincible?
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What may interfere with an individual's understanding of natural law principles?
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What is stated about the knowledge of natural law among individuals?
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Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor contributing to ignorance of moral principles?
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How are the actions of ancient and modern nations characterized regarding moral principles?
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What is meant by the term 'invincible ignorance' in the context of natural law?
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What is implied about the relationship between passions and the understanding of natural law?
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Which of the following statements best reflects the nature of the general principles of natural law?
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Study Notes
St. Thomas' Definition of Law
- A law is an ordinance of reason directed towards the common good and promulgated by one who has the care of the community.
- Law is permanent and universal, while regulations are local and for a specific group.
- Laws are dictated by reason, and not by the whim of an authority.
- A just law prioritizes the common good, which is the welfare of the community as a whole.
- Laws are officially published and enacted by a competent authority, like a legislative body, and approved by the President or someone with the care of the community.
Eternal Law
- Divine reason or the will of God commanding the preservation of the natural order of things, forbidding disruption.
- The "exemplar of divine wisdom" directing all actions and movements.
- Eternal and unchangeable, existing in the mind of God before creation, but known in time by humans.
- Absolutely universal and rules over all things and actions, with unlimited breadth of application.
Natural Law
- Man's participation in the Eternal Law of God, manifested through reason.
- All things in the universe contribute to the universal plan, including the natural sciences with their laws.
- Natural Law acts as a corollary of the Eternal Law, an extension of the divine order apprehended by human reason.
- Man is born with a natural disposition to follow the natural law, and a natural facility to know the basic truths of the moral order.
Existence of Natural Moral Law
- Everyone recognizes a moral order and is naturally inclined to do what is perceived as good and avoid evil.
- These inclinations cannot be classified as illusions, as they are true directives of human nature.
- The universal testimony of mankind attests to the existence of a natural moral law, demonstrated by writings, monuments, and customs throughout history.
Properties of the Natural Law
- Universal, applying to all people regardless of time and place
- Obligatory, imposing a moral obligation to follow the natural law to attain happiness.
- Recognizable, impressed in the reason of every individual.
- Immutable, unchangeable, sharing the immutability of the eternal law.
Contents of the Natural Law
- Fundamental moral principles, like "Good is to be done and evil is to be avoided"
- General moral principles, like "Adore God", "Honor your parents", and "Preserve your own life", which involve basic relations between man and God, himself, and others.
- Applications of general moral principles to specific situations in life and society, requiring expertise in the law.
- Remote conclusions derived by reasoning, requiring deeper reflection and moral consideration.
Knowledge of the Natural Law
- With regard to the fundamental and general moral principles everyone has knowledge.
- Nobody can be invincibly ignorant as to the substance of the Ten Commandments.
- The general principles of the natural law can neither be forgotten nor banished from the mind.
- Ignorance is possible, but the knowledge of the law is often hindered by factors like corruption of the mind, depravation of the human heart, and cultural influences.
- With complex and obscure problems, ignorance can be invincible for those lacking moral training.
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Description
Explore St. Thomas' intricate definitions of law and eternal law. This quiz delves into the characteristics of law as an ordinance of reason, the common good, and divine wisdom as guiding principles. Understand the permanent and universal nature of laws compared to local regulations.
