GE 8 GUIDE QUESTIONS #11: NATURAL LAW

Prepare your answers for the Graded Recitation based on the Lecture-Video: NATURAL LAW.
(You can also refer to the GE 8 Compilation of Readings page 13-14)

Concept of Goodness and Badness:

What is the principle/concept of goodness and badness in Natural Law in terms of:
1. Human Nature? (give an example)
According to the video, the principle of goodness in natural law in terms of human nature is
that which is suited or proper to human nature. The concept of badness is the polar opposite of
goodness, and the example of suited to human nature specifically Self-preservation means taking
care of yourself.

2. First Natural Inclination: Self-Preservation? (give an example)

According to the video Self-preservation is our natural instinct to take care of our health, not to
kill ourselves or put ourselves in danger. An example of good self-preservation is physical exercise,
while an example of bad self-preservation is doing the opposite of good.

3. Second Natural Inclination: Just Dealings with Others? (give an example)

According to the video Dealing with others entails treating them with the same dignity and
respect with which we regard ourselves. This is the foundation of justice as it comes through human
interactions. Respecting each other is an example of good behavior, whereas being nasty to them is
an example of negative behavior.

4. Third Natural Inclination: Propagation of the Species? (give an example)

We humans are bound not to corrupt or obstruct this natural inclination, according to the movie
Propagation of Species. We have a natural desire to keep the species alive. Using our reproductive
apparatus to replicate the human species is an example of good. Getting an abortion, on the other
hand, is a horrible idea.

Situation Analysis:
Jose and Maria have been married for six years now. They have two children and opted not to
have another one because of financial difficulties. With this, Maria takes birth control pills and
is already planning to undergo tubal ligation. Even though they are Catholics, they believe
that it is still their right as a couple to choose contraceptives as a mode of family planning.
This is for the good of their family. Besides, they perform their religious duties like going to
church regularly, being married in the Church and having their children baptized.

5. Is the action of Jose and Maria good or bad in Natural Law? Which Natural Inclination is violated?
Why?
Jose and Maria's actions were against natural law because, according to the movie, natural
law is a code of conduct that reason reveals is compatible with human nature. It also goes against the
species' inherent drive to reproduce; utilizing contraceptives is a poor deed in species reproduction.

6. Do you agree with the judgment of Natural Law over the act of Jose and Maria? Why or why not?
Yes, I agree because, according to the video, God, the author of nature, has imprinted natural
law in human nature, and I don't want to resist God.

Point for Reflection:

7. What important realization or learning can you gain from Natural Law? (Give only one)
Natural law has taught me a valuable lesson about natural tendency, which I may implement in
my daily life.