Lecture Notes: Discovering Natural Law

Introduction

• Main Theme: Understanding natural law, a moral code inherent in human beings.
• Key Questions:
  • Why do we instinctively feel what's right or wrong?
  • Where do these moral instincts originate?

Defining Natural Law

• Natural law suggests that moral values are intrinsic and discoverable through reason.
• Unlike legal systems, which vary, natural law is universal and unchanging, stemming from human nature.
• It transcends religion and politics, indicating a moral order inherent in humans.

St. Thomas Aquinas and Natural Law

• Aquinas: a key proponent of natural law, linking it to God's eternal plan.
• His View: Natural law is God's understanding placed within us and accessed through reason.
• Guiding Principle: "Good is to be done and pursued, evil is to be avoided."
• Five Basic Inclinations:
  1. Preservation of life
  2. Procreation
  3. Pursuit of knowledge
  4. Living in society
  5. Rational behavior
• These inclinations are inherent and do not require teaching.

Natural Law in Everyday Life

• Instances of lying, cheating, or harm often result in guilt due to natural law.
• Historical movements (e.g., civil rights, anti-slavery) were guided by a higher moral law beyond legal systems.

Controversies and Modern Interpretations

• Aquinas: Everything in nature, including sexuality, has a purpose.
  • Example: Belief that sex's natural purpose is procreation.
• Modern Challenges:
  • Some argue that love, intimacy, and care are also essential.
  • Points to the need for evolving interpretations based on understanding and compassion.

Relevance of Natural Law Today

• Influences thoughts on human rights, justice, and moral responsibility.
• Examples: Whistleblowers and activists often cite conscience over legal compliance.
• Natural law encourages recognizing the moral compass within us.

Conclusion

• Challenge: Are we living by societal laws or the moral law within us?
• Natural law as a personal moral guide beyond philosophical study.

Thank you for listening.