Name: Cinco, Trista P.

Course: BFSCI 2A

Kindly answer the following question. Make your answer brief and concise. 3-5 sentences may be
enough.

1. How did natural law theory originate?

- Natural Law Theory refers to the general view that moral rules and principles are objective, absolute
and universal truths that can be discovered in the nature of things and in the structure of life itself
through the use of reasoned reflection.

2. What is the meaning of "law" in natural law theory?

- According to the ethics and philosophy idea known as "natural law," human beings are endowed with
inherent values that direct our thought processes and actions. According to natural law, persons are
born with certain moral precepts; they are not established by society or legal authorities.

3. What are the characteristics of this law? How does this natural law differ from other kinds of law?
- It is believed that "natural law" is the law that is both (a) inherent in nature and (b) accessible to
reason. Consequently, some values or rights are innate to human nature, according to Natural Law
thinkers. Naturally, "Natural Law" is intended to apply to everyone. The requirement that "Natural
Laws" provide the foundation for all human laws is another significant outcome. Whatever the nature or
source, rules formed by humans ought to acknowledge and honor them. Human laws that are in
opposition to or in conflict with "Natural Laws" are invalid.

4. How does St. Thomas incorporate Aristotle's idea in his interpretation of Natural law? What particular
dimension has St. Thomas added in his own interpretation?

- The majority of Aquinas' writings are on natural law. He said that only humans among God's creations
employ reason to direct their lives, saying that "the light of reason is placed by nature and thus by God
in every man to guide him in his acts." It is the law of nature. Natural law according to Thomas Aquinas is
primarily concerned with societal structure and the common good.

5. In what sense is morality based on "nature"?

- Many people believe that morality, or the norms and principles that govern conduct in human
relationships, is derived from nature in the sense that it is ingrained in the way things naturally occur.
Together with the natural rules that control our physical and social environment, this can also refer to
our intrinsic sense of good and wrong. For instance, many contend that since hurting someone else can
eventually hurt us too, the moral precept of not injuring others is founded on the natural imperative of
self-preservation. Furthermore, others contend that the idea of fairness originates from animals' innate
propensity to collaborate and share resources in order to survive. The general concept is that morality
originates from our intrinsic awareness of the natural world, not from something that is imposed by
religion or society.
6. What is the role of reason in natural law theory?

- It is not just natural deeds that are the subject matter, but the natural laws. According to this theory,
people are rational beings who can comprehend the laws of nature. Humans therefore have a moral
obligation to apply reason to determine the nature of the rules and then act against them.

7. How do we know what is good and bad in natural law thinking?

- These behaviors are compliant with a natural law that ensures the survival and propagation of species.
As a result, following such a legislation is ethically right. It is morally reprehensible to engage in actions
that violate that law. As an illustration, think about how morally reprehensible it is to eat excessively or
insufficiently and endanger life.

8. What is the basis of calling something "natural"?

- Natural is defined as when things remain as nature intended them to be, free from human
interference.

9. "What is natural is always good." Do you agree? Why or why not?

- No. As a result of the hidden basic idea that "What is natural is good" sometimes being meaningless,
lacking any practical significance, or being an opinion rather than a fact, it is widely seen as a weak
argument.

10. In what way that our basic human inclinations tell us what we ought to do and not to do?

- Aquinas does acknowledge, however, that our sinful nature can corrupt all of the aforementioned
tendencies. Therefore, just acting on an impulse is not morally right. Before acting on an inclination, one
must first identify its inherent purpose and only do so to the extent that it serves that goal.