Key Words to be happy withsynderesis rule - “do good and avoid evil” or “the

knowledge of first principles” (= primary precepts)eudaimonia - the goal of flourishinga posteriori – knowledge from experiencea priori - knowledge without needing experienceprimary precepts – principles discovered by observing

universal natural inclinations and known a priori by synderesis

secondary precepts – applications of primary preceptsphronesis – practical wisdom learnt by experiencedeontological – duty based ethics

Key assumptionSynderesis (our natural rational capacity to do good

and avoid evil)

If we can’t observe rational people doing good, there can be no basis for a natural (observable) view of goodness. This is a naturalistic ethical theory.

But Evangelical Christians traditionally follow Calvin (against natural law) that “all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory” (Romans 3.23), so we observe people being selfish, not being good.

Aristotle’s view is teleological

The “good is what most people pursue”.

People pursue natural ends or purposes (telos)

So Aquinas, following Aristotle, argues that these natural inclinations (purposes) give us the primary precepts

Aquinas develops AristotleAquinas (1225-1274) develops this teleological

worldview to reconcile it with a biblical account.Secondary precepts are rules that are rational

applications of five primary precepts observed as the good ends that people pursue.

Ultimate end or telos is to be with God and like God.“The natural law is a sharing, by rational creatures, in

the eternal law of God”. Anthony KennyRoman Catholic church teaches “there are acts which

in themselves, independent of circumstances, are always seriously wrong by nature of their object” (Veritatis Splendor papal encyclical 1993)

Summary diagram

An ultimate aimEudaimonia – the supreme good is personal

flourishing and flourishing of societyAquinas argues that we cannot achieve this without

developing virtues like prudence (Greek phronesis or practical wisdom).

Aquinas adapts Aristotle for a Christian ethic: so the eternal law in God’s mind is revealed in divine law (the Bible) which agrees with natural law (revealed in nature) and human law (if we’re wise and pass moral laws). So the ultimate end is conforming to God.

The primary preceptsThe five primary precepts spell POWER

1. Preserve life2. Ordered society3. Worship God4.Education5. Reproduction

The secondary preceptsDo not abort, do not killObey the law, respect othersGo to church and prayPursue education and truthDon’t use contraception

BUT Aquinas makes clear that secondary precepts aren’t absolute; they may change as circumstances change

morality is a universal, clear set of preceptsat its heart is a common view of what makes people

flourishit is reasonable (based on what reasonable people do)But...the applications by the Catholic Church seem rigidis there a common human nature (eg gays)?“reason” is always culturally determined eg what is

reasonable in Victorian times v. today

Evaluating Aquinas