Natural Law Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #34

CrashCourse・2 minutes read

Thomas Aquinas believed in morality and being a good person as part of God's plan, developing the natural law theory based on inherent tools called basic goods. The theory posits that following these basic goods leads to moral actions without the need for religious teachings, despite criticisms from philosophers like David Hume and ethical dilemmas in interpreting and applying these principles.

Insights

  • Aquinas believed in the natural law theory, asserting that humans possess inherent tools to discern good through basic goods like self-preservation and education, guiding moral actions without reliance on religious teachings.
  • Critics like David Hume challenge the natural law theory, highlighting the is-ought problem and questioning whether what is naturally observed as good truly equates to moral goodness, sparking philosophical debates and ethical dilemmas.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What did Thomas Aquinas believe in?

    Thomas Aquinas believed in morality and being a good person as part of God's plan. He emphasized the importance of following basic goods to lead a moral life.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Aquinas' Natural Law Theory and Morality

  • Thomas Aquinas, a prominent 13th-century Christian monk and philosopher, believed in the importance of morality and being a good person as part of God's plan.
  • Aquinas developed the natural law theory, suggesting that God equipped humans with inherent tools to understand what is good, known as basic goods, such as self-preservation, reproduction, education, seeking God, living in community, avoiding ignorance, and not alienating others.
  • The natural law theory posits that following these basic goods leads to moral actions in accordance with the natural law, without the need for religious teachings or scriptures.
  • Aquinas explained that ignorance and emotions can lead people to violate the natural law, as individuals may not always correctly perceive what is good or may be swayed by emotions over reason.
  • The natural law theory grounds morality in God's creation of a moral order, suggesting that adhering to the natural law enhances individuals' lives.
  • Critics of the natural law theory, like David Hume, raise objections such as the is-ought problem, questioning the assumption that what is observed in nature as good necessarily translates to moral goodness.
  • Despite its strengths, the natural law theory can provoke philosophical debates and ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding the interpretation of basic goods and their application in various situations.
  • Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century philosopher, proposed alternative perspectives to address the complexities and challenges associated with natural law theory.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.