Name the four levels of law Aquinas distinguishes.

Aquinas and Natural Law is examined in AS Unit 2, An Introduction to Religion and Ethics and the Philosophy of Religion — Section A. It covers the four levels of law and the precepts, virtues, acts and goods in Natural Law, natural Law applied to abortion and voluntary euthanasia and Evaluating Aquinas' Natural Law.

Where it is assessed

AS Unit 2

An Introduction to Religion and Ethics.

Check the WJEC specification ↗

The 4 subtopics

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What you need to know

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Key term

Set out the conditions of double effect and how Natural Law applies them to a threatened pregnancy.

Key term

Set out the case for and against Natural Law as a guide in a plural modern society.

Key term

What is human law, and how should it relate to natural law?

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Define the virtue of prudence.

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Why does Aquinas' Natural Law presuppose a divine creator?

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Define the virtue of temperance.

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Which primary precept is most directly engaged by abortion?

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Give the case against shaping human law by Natural Law.

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What does Aquinas identify as the highest good for a human being?

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Define the virtue of fortitude.

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What secondary precept follows from the preservation of life for the unborn?

Key term

Argue that the absolutist character of Natural Law still works in contemporary society.

Take Aquinas and Natural Law further

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Questions from this topic

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1
Name the four levels of law Aquinas distinguishes.
Model answer
They are eternal law, divine law, natural law and human law.
2
What is eternal law in Aquinas' scheme?
Model answer
It is God's own rational plan by which creation is ordered and governed, known in full only to God himself.
3
What is divine law, and why does Aquinas think it is needed?
Model answer
Divine law is what God has revealed in scripture, and it is needed because unaided reason cannot direct human beings to their supernatural end.
4
What is natural law, and how is it reached?
Model answer
It is the human share in eternal law, worked out by rational reflection on human nature and purpose rather than by revelation.
5
What is human law, and how should it relate to natural law?
Model answer
Human law is the law made by societies, and Aquinas holds it is only just where it is derived from natural law.
6
Why does Aquinas' Natural Law presuppose a divine creator?
Model answer
Purpose built into human nature implies a maker who gave it that purpose, so the theory rests on belief in a creator God.

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Aquinas and Natural Law revision questions

What does Aquinas and Natural Law cover in WJEC A-Level Religious Studies?: 4 subtopics: the four levels of law and the precepts, virtues, acts and goods in natural law, natural law applied to abortion and voluntary euthanasia and evaluating aquinas' natural law. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
How is Aquinas and Natural Law organised?: By the WJEC 603-0277-X specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.

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