St. Thomas' Definition of Law and Eternal Law
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Questions and Answers

According to St. Thomas, how is a law defined?

  • As an ordinance of reason directed towards common good. (correct)
  • As a suggestion for behavior.
  • As a set of guidelines based on tradition.
  • As the personal opinion of the ruler.

    • What is a key characteristic that distinguishes law from plea or advice?

  • Law is temporary.
  • Law demands obedience. (correct)
  • Law is based on individual desires.
  • Law can be ignored if convenient.

    • What aspect is emphasized in a just law according to the content?

  • Considering the common good of all citizens. (correct)
  • Favoring particular interest groups.
  • Being based on emotional appeals.
  • Being temporary and adaptable.

    • What does eternal law exemplify according to St. Augustine?

    <p>Divine reason or the will of God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the essential characteristics of eternal law as described?

    <p>It is eternal and unchangeable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does promulgation play in the definition of law?

    <p>Laws must be officially published.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is responsible for enacting laws as per the provided content?

    <p>The competent authority of the legislative body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of law in relation to human acts?

    <p>To direct humanity towards the common good.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the nature of eternal law in relation to rational creatures?

    <p>It began with the existence of rational creatures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the application of eternal law?

    <p>It has no limits to its breadth of application.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between natural law and eternal law?

    <p>Natural law is a corollary of eternal law.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does man's participation in eternal law manifest according to the content?

    <p>Through his reason.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the universe does natural law govern?

    <p>It governs all movements and energies of the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the description, what does the 'light of natural reason' signify?

    <p>An imprint of divine light.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does natural law play in the inclination of rational creatures?

    <p>It provides a natural inclination to their acts and ends.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is man's natural disposition concerning natural law?

    <p>To follow the natural law for survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does man come to understand moral principles according to the content?

    <p>Through reasoning and making inferences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'immutable laws' refer to in the context of natural law?

    <p>Laws that remain constant over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the natural moral law as described in the content?

    <p>It is impressed in human nature by the creator.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the content suggest about the recognition of good and evil in humanity?

    <p>It is an innate recognition present from birth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the natural law require for human perfection?

    <p>Being directed toward perfection in a free and intelligent way.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why cannot natural inclinations be considered illusions?

    <p>They are ingrained in human nature by God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the moral order viewed in relation to human nature?

    <p>It is inherent within all individuals regardless of background.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is described as 'not a mere mathematical process' for discovering the moral order?

    <p>A practical judgment using basic reasoning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of natural law indicates that it is valid for all people at all times?

    <p>Universality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which property of natural law imposes a moral responsibility on individuals?

    <p>Obligation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of natural law ensures that it cannot be altered or changed?

    <p>Immutability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a fundamental moral principle of natural law?

    <p>Good is to be done and evil is to be avoided.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a general moral principle found in natural law?

    <p>Do not murder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category of natural law involves complex moral reasoning such as mercy killing or indissolubility of marriage?

    <p>Remote conclusions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In natural law, which of the following is considered a principle regarding one's relationship with God?

    <p>Adore God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the natural law express about the knowledge of moral duties?

    <p>It is inherently recognizable by all people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition indicates that ignorance concerning natural law can be invincible?

    <p>Absence of moral training, particularly in pagan societies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may interfere with an individual's understanding of natural law principles?

    <p>Corruption of the mind and conflicting customs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is stated about the knowledge of natural law among individuals?

    <p>Knowledge of natural law is common to all men.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor contributing to ignorance of moral principles?

    <p>Education in philosophy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are the actions of ancient and modern nations characterized regarding moral principles?

    <p>They have permitted actions contrary to moral principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'invincible ignorance' in the context of natural law?

    <p>Lack of education making the truth unattainable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is implied about the relationship between passions and the understanding of natural law?

    <p>Passions can obstruct clear understanding of moral principles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best reflects the nature of the general principles of natural law?

    <p>They can be obscured by involuntary impediments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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