Natural Law
Theory which was championed by Aquinas and is based on the principle that everything has been created by God for a purpose
Aristotle
Ancient Greek philosopher who created a theory based on the idea that everything has a purpose and this can be seen through the design of the Natural World
Eudiamonia
Aristotle's aim for humans. Means, 'flourishing' or 'happiness'
Aquinas
13th Century Italian monk who adapted Aristotle's theory to fit with his own Christian agenda
Deontological
Morality is based on a human's ability to abide by a series of rules, regardless of the consequence of the situation
Absolutist
The belief that there are universal moral norms that are applicable in all situations
Legalistic
The idea that one must obey a religious law in order to gain eternal life
Rational
The ability to think logically or the ability to use reason
Telos/Purpose
Purpose of humankind, according to aquinas, was to do God's will and to re-establish a 'right' relationship with God, seeking union with him in the afterlife.
Revelation
Information that comes from God to reveal truth about Himself and the world around him
Reason
Unique ability given to humans by God which enables them to make decisions about the final cause/purpose
Four levels of law
Universal and eternal laws which are inter related: eternal law; divine law; Natural law; and human law
Primary precepts
Five purposes for humankind's existence - to worship God, live in an ordered society, reproduce and to learn to defend the innocent
Secondary precepts
Derived from Primary precepts
Higher and lower aims
We undertake a lower aim in order to fulfil a higher aim
Interior and exterior acts
Aquinas uses these to distinguish between the motive for an act and the act itself. Interior is motive whereas exterior is the actual act
Real and apparent good
A real good is something that helps us become nearer to what God planned for us. An apparent good takes us further from God
Cardinal virtue
Four human qualities which Aquinas believed are necessary to live a moral life. The four virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance
Theological virtues
Three moral qualities revealed in the Bible which Aquinas said were essential for a moral life: faith; hope; and charity
Principle of double effect
Aquinas stated that if a good act, which has intended good effect, has secondary bad consequences, it is still right to carry out that act