A) Explain how Natural Moral Law theory can be used to decide the right moral action. (25)
Natural Moral Law can be used to decide the right moral action because it states that there is a natural order to our world that is followed. It is determined by a supernatural power (Aquinas believes this to be God). The theory of Natural Law originally was created by Aristotle, and was later developed by Aquinas.
The Natural Laws are universal and unchangeable and is a simple approach to morality. It allows humans to use reason no matter of the society or culture, as humans have an essential rational nature that was given to us by God. Another reason why it can be universally used is that one does not have to be religious to accept the …show more content…
To reproduce, 'Marry and multiply'. To know, 'Educate children'. To worship (God) and not to fight, 'Live peacefully. These five primary precepts aid in our quest for eudemonia (the final goal-supreme good). Natural Law is an absolutist view, meaning things like abortion will be seen as wrong, 'must conserve life'. making ways to fulfil the secondary precepts are to build hospitals, and schools…etc.
If the moral decision is whether killing in a war is right, you will have to go through these primary precepts to determine the answer. 1 'To preserve life', automatically you'd think that already killing in a war breaks this, but in the bigger picture you may be saving many more lives by killing in a just war. It could be the moral thing to do. 5, 'Live peacefully', this again goes against it, yet you may need to kill to then live peacefully after the war with no fear. So killing in a Just War, from a Natural Law perspective would be morally acceptable.
If you are not religious you can still make moral decisions using Natural Law by abiding the secondary precepts. These are more flexible and do not involve the worship of