Evaluating Natural Law LO: I will give some strengths and weaknesses to Natural Law Hmk: Wider Reading from Dialogue magazine, ‘Ethical Theory.’ Starter: What do you know about Natural law?

A review of Natural Law … … From Oliphant – pg Students will be given a section to read through, make summative notes, and feedback to the class. Between the group, we should cover the whole chapter ◦ What is Natural Moral Law? What are the origins? Pg ◦ The Natural Law of Aquinas. The Purpose of human beings. Pg ◦ Natural inclinations. Real and Apparent goods. Interior and Exterior acts. Pg 27 ◦ Primary and Secondary precepts. Doctrine of double effect. Pg 28-29

Task What would Natural Law say about homosexual acts, masturbation or sex with an infertile partner? Why? This tied in with Aquinas’ view of what was needed for a civilised society (necessary to survive and flourish), so the acts above would have violated his primary precepts.

Primary and Secondary precepts In order to live in a civilised society where people were free to survive and flourish, Aquinas came up with Five Primary Precepts. To arrive at the secondary precepts you have to reason what would be an essential route towards this primary precept. See the example of sex pg 103 of AS textbook

Evaluating Natural Law a) Write a speech of at least 250 words EITHER arguing about the strengths of Natural Law OR its weaknesses. Your partner should argue the opposite case to yours. Use the textbooks to help. b) Read your speech to your partner and allow them to question you. They should then read their speech to you and answer your questions

The Debate Game 1.1 Minute on what you think of the title, and why you are correct. (you will be given a view) 2.30 seconds on why others are wrong. 3.Ask a question to each group. (they will have ten seconds to nominate a person and then respond) 4.You will then have 1 minute to prepare your closing statement. RULES: 1.You will be scored on preparation, contribution, and quick thinking 2. Only one person may speak at one time. ‘Natural Law is inadequate when it comes to making moral decisions.’

What examiners like to see in essays It’s legible, clear, easy to read. Literacy levels are of a high ability (includes spelling, punctuation and grammar). Key terms, explained and used appropriately. Scholars mentioned, and accurately cited Linking sentences used throughout For evaluation, it is balanced giving BOTH strengths and weaknesses Evaluation is successfully executed. E.g. Is it coherent? Is it useful? Implications? Evidence that the student has a secure grasp of the topic

Hot Seating Randomly select pupils to answer the following 3 questions: Give one explanation of NL One strength One weakness