1. Task: Complete by filling in the blank task to recap our learning on Natural Law so far.
Aquinas described Natural Law as a moral code existing within the purpose of nature, created by __________. He was heavily influenced by the works of __________. The Greek philosopher believed that everything had purpose and a human’s end purpose was to reach happiness/fulfilment or _______________. Aquinas took this further by saying that this ultimate end / ___________ was to reach happiness which lies in oneness with God. Aquinas was also heavily influenced by the writings of St _______. The early Christian thinker observed how the gentiles instinctively observed the same types of moral laws even though they had not been given the _______________. He seemed to suggest that God’s laws had been written into the fabric of __________ and could be observed and therefore followed.

2. Finding it hard? Want some help?
10 Commandments
Paul
Telos
Creation
God
Aristotle
Eudaimonia

3. Is it that straight forward?!
A key focus of Aquinas’ Natural Law is the Synderesis Rule This is our inherent ability, using reason to know right from wrong
'Do good, avoid evil'.
Is it that straight forward?!

4. Through revelation and reason we can come to know Natural Law which will lead to oneness with God
The standard of natural law is not individual but is set against the whole of human nature and its many relationships. An action is therefore wrong if it satisfies a particular need but is incompatible if it puts the needs of the individual over the higher needs of human nature as a whole.
Reason should always be the guide in balancing those desires which conflict. For example, whilst self-preservation is good, it is sometimes better to take a personal risk for the well-being of wider society. Reason is our means to (Natural Law within us) that can assist in realising our telos
Theft is wrong because it unbalances social life; drunkenness is wrong because it is unhealthy and it deprives the individual of the use of their reason.
Natural law therefore depend on the natural medium of reason as well as on nature itself, and is made known to humans by supernatural revelation – God’s eternal truth or telos for us all.
Key Point!
we will see later on that you don’t have to be religious to follow Natural Law! Those who don’t follow can still reach their ultimate purpose. (be aware that this is a sticking point for some)

5. How do we reach this true happiness which lies in oneness of God?
Aquinas agreed with Aristotle about the use of reason.
Aquinas believed our God given power raised us above animals and enables us to achieve our ultimate purpose.
The Eternal Law
The Divine Law
The Natural Law
The Eternal Law, this is God’s will and wisdom, the rational ordering of the universe.
This in turn is revealed by Divine Law, given through Scripture and the Church, it guides humanity to righteousness
This is made known through Natural Law, this source of fulfilling ones purpose on earth
From this Human Law (Positive Law) is derived
Human Law
What do you think this diagram is showing?
How do you think humans can discover these laws?

6. Summarise this into your books
Eternal Law
Divine Law
Natural Law
Human Law
Eternal Law is the mind of God which humans cannot know. Contained in it are the laws which govern the universe and control the life cycle of everything in existence. Although humans cannot fully know the Eternal Law, they can occasionally glimpse reflections of it, for example through scientific knowledge of aspects of the natural world.
Divine Law is the law of God revealed to people through the Bible, which Christians call the ‘Word of God’. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, also brought Divine Law with him and the teachings of Christ convey Divine Law to people.
Aquinas believed each law depends on the authority of the level above, with God being the ultimate source of authority.
Summarise this into your books
Everyone has a natural sense that ‘good is to be done and evil is to be avoided’ which some call human nature. It is what directs our conscience and if applied with reason to a situation will lead to the right outcome
These are everyday rules that govern our lives from the legal system at one end right down to notices saying ‘Wet Paint – Do Not Touch’, ‘Drive on the left’

7. Which type of law am I? Eternal Law Divine Law Natural Law Human Law
REVEALED BY GOD – EG THROUGH JESUS.
THE MORAL LAW BUILT IN TO HUMAN NATURE, ALSO A REFLECTION OF THE ETERNAL LAW OF GOD.
THINGS LIKE THE LAW AND SCHOOL RULES.
CAN BE SEEN BY EVERYONE AS DOESN’T DEPEND ON REVELATION BUT ON REASON.
NO ONE CAN KNOW THIS. IT IS BEYOND OUR HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
Divine Law
Natural Law
Human Law
Eternal Law

8. Eternal Law
Divine Law
Natural Law
Human Law

9. Your one minute starts now!
Aquinas was a Jewish philosopher and theologian.
Aquinas was influenced by Plato’s 4 causes.
For the Greeks the final cause or purpose was called telos.
Aquinas was not the first to suggest Natural Law.
Eudaimonia means human happiness or fulfilment.
For Aquinas true happiness lay in oneness with God.
For Aquinas this happiness can only come through reason.
Aquinas believed that there were three laws to govern life.
The Eternal Law is the mind of God which cannot be know by humans in this life.
At the heart of natural law is putting the needs of humanity before the need of the individual.
1. False - catholic
2. False – aristotles
3. True
4. True – Aristotle
5. True
6. True
7. False, revelation, natural law and reason.
8. False, 4
9. True
10. True

10. The Primary Precepts – Basic principles of Aquinas’ Natural Law
In four words, 'Do good, avoid evil'. In more detail, Aquinas
talked of Primary Precepts. In order for people to concentrate on Natural law, Aquinas understood they had to live in a civilised society where they were free to survive and flourish.
What is our purpose – what are we designed for?
Protection of the innocent
Reproduction
Ordered society
Worship God
Learning
W O R L D
(some change this to Defend the innocent)

11. TASK – THE 5 PRIMARY PRECEPTS
1. You are a Martian landing in the UK. Would you observe humans pursuing these five ends (primary precepts) ?
2. Which end(s) would you change? Can you change it/them to something similar, but more up to date?

12. Secondary Precepts Aquinas regarded each precept as a part of
a path towards the ultimate purpose in life.
The primary precepts are set in stone (descriptive). They are what we OUGHT to do.
The secondary precepts set out the way in which the primary concepts can be implemented in society. They can vary from the law of the land to accepted codes of behaviour within our own family. They are practical human rules which govern our daily behaviour…

13. So how do we arrive at these?
To arrive at the secondary precepts you
have to reason what would be an essential
route to get towards this primary precept
Example: primary precept preservation of life
Self preservation and preservation of others =
Do not murder
Do not abort unborn
Defend the weak
Do not commit suicide
Use your worksheet to determine possible secondary precepts for the other primary precepts.

14. Possible secondary precepts are;
Do not kill
No Capital Punishment
Preservation of life
Reproduction
Order in Society
Worship God
Learning
No Contraception
Permit IVF and Surrogacy
Do not steal
Build more homes
Hold school assemblies
Set one day a week aside for worship -eg Sunday.
Free education for children and university students
Make schooling compulsory

15. Veritatis splendor (1995)
“In order to perfect himself in his specific order, the person must do good and avoid evil, be concerned for the transmission and preservation of life, refine and develop the riches of the material world, cultivate social life, seek truth, practise good and contemplate beauty.” para 51
Veritatis Splendor (Latin for "The Splendor of Truth") is an encyclical by Pope John Paul II. It expresses the position of theCatholic Church regarding fundamentals of the Church's role in moral teaching. The encyclical is one of the most comprehensive and philosophical teachings of moral theology in the Catholic tradition.
How have the modern Catholic Church altered the primary precepts?

16. Plenary - Unscramble the quote by Thomas Aquinas
“ the Natural creatures Law is
intelligent in sharing the
eternal by law ”.
Natural Law is the sharing in the eternal law by intelligent creatures.
Thomas Aquinas

17. Crib Sheet – Topic Check List AO1 Knowledge
Back ground to Natural Law
Aristotle
Aquinas
2. Telos and Eudemonia and their importance in moral decision making.
3. 4 Tiers of law
4. Primary Precepts
5. Secondary Precepts
6. Real and Apparent Goods
7. Interior and Exterior Acts