For today activity, please answer the following questions concisely in a
separate sheet of paper. Your answer must be handwritten and readable. (10
points each)
1. What is natural law for St. Thomas? How does it guide the human being's
realization of the good?
- Natural law for St. Thomas Aquinas is a moral order inherent in the nature of human
beings, derived from God's rational plan for the universe. It guides the human
realization of the good by providing fundamental principles, such as the preservation
of life and the pursuit of truth, which can be discerned through reason and applied to
guide ethical behavior. In the given situation, the resistance to abortion may align
with the natural law principle of preserving life.
2. Does obeying the natural law mean that human beings must only conform
their self-realization to the laws of nature?
- No, obeying the natural law, according to philosophical perspectives like that of St.
Thomas Aquinas, doesn't solely mean conforming to the laws of nature. It involves
aligning with inherent moral principles discernible through reason, such as the
preservation of life and pursuit of truth, rather than a strict adherence to natural
phenomena.
3. Why is it possible to hold natural law as a framework for living a good life
even if one does not believe in a god?
- It is possible to hold natural law as a framework for living a good life without
believing in a god because natural law, according to some philosophical
perspectives, can be understood and applied through reason and an appreciation for
the inherent order and principles within human nature and the world, irrespective of
religious beliefs.
4. Why is the quest for doing the good tied to the question "Who am I"??
- The quest for doing the good is intimately tied to the question "Who am I?" because
one's understanding of self shapes moral choices. Delving into one's identity involves
exploring values, beliefs, and personal principles. In the given situation, the struggle
against external pressures reflects the internal conflict between personal convictions
and societal expectations. The emotional toll, manifested in disorders and yearning
for a child, underscores the profound impact on identity. Acknowledging and aligning
actions with a genuine sense of self facilitates the pursuit of the good, emphasizing
the interconnectedness between self-discovery and ethical decision-making.
5. How can natural law assist enforcement in moral dilemmas?
- Natural law, as a moral framework, can assist in navigating moral dilemmas by
providing foundational principles that are seen as inherent in human nature and
reason. In the given situation, natural law might support the preservation of life as a
primary precept, encouraging consideration for the well-being of the unborn child. It
underscores the importance of individual autonomy and the right to make choices
aligned with one's conscience. By recognizing and respecting these inherent
principles, natural law guides individuals and societies in resolving moral conflicts,
fostering ethical decision-making that aligns with a broader understanding of what is
inherently good and just.
6. Read and analyze each of the situations.
- I was 16 when I found out I was pregnant. I was
scared, but deep down inside of me I felt a sense of
happiness and hope. My parents and my boyfriend's
parents all wanted me to have an abortion. Nobody
supported me, and nobody asked me what I wanted to
do. I felt as if I had no control or say in what happened.
I resisted all the way to the clinic. I cried in the waiting
room for almost six hours telling my parents how I did
not want to have an abortion. My mom kept telling them
to give me more drugs, and my dad kept telling me I
had no choice, that this was not up to me. Over a year
later I still cry every day. It has caused me so many
emotional and mental problems. I have an eating
disorder, depression and now a drinking problem and
fear of intimacy. I long for a child, and nothing will ever
replace the baby that I had. NOTHING! QUESTION:
Discuss what would Natural Law say?
