NATURAL LAW OF ETHICS

NATURAL LAW OF ETHICSAlso called Thomistic EthicsSt. Thomas AquinasSynderesis

◦Inherent capacity of individual to distinguish the good from the bad

Propositions

1. Voice of right reason or voice of conscience

◦ Voice of conscience will serve as a natural guide

◦ Right thing- following conscience◦ Wrong thing feel guilty,

remorseful

Propositions

2. Man’s threefold natural inclinations

1. Self-preservation Suicide Smoking drinking

2. Just dealings with others3. Propagation of our species

Any form of contraceptive is wrong

Propositions

3. Three determinants of moral actions

1. Object2. Circumstances

Who, What, Where, By what means, why, How, When

3. End/purpose of agent For an act to be morally good, these 3

elements must be good.

PROPOSITION

4. The double effect principle◦Woman 3 months pregnant with a

cancerous uterus

5. The principle of totality◦An individual has the right to cutt off,

mutilate or remove defect non-functioning organs only if the general well being of the whole body requires.

6. Principle of stewarship

7. Principle of inviolability of life8. Principle of sexuality and

procreation.

PROPOSITION