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11 Dec 2025
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Ethics Theme 2: Exploring Natural Law and Beyond
N
Nat Mitchell
@natmitchell_jzjv
1 / 7
Ethics Theme 2 - WJEC
This section covers one of the most important ethical theories you'll study in your A-levels. Natural Law Theory forms the backbone of Christian ethics and provides clear guidelines for moral decision-making.
You'll explore how ancient philosophical thinking connects to modern moral dilemmas. The theory bridges the gap between religious belief and rational thinking, making it relevant whether you're religious or not.
Key Point: Natural Law Theory isn't just about following rules - it's about understanding the purpose behind moral actions and how they help us flourish as human beings.
Natural Law - Aquinas
Aquinas believed that rational thought alone isn't enough for moral decisions because human reason is fallible - we need God's perfect guidance. The theory requires belief in a divine creator to work properly.
The Synderesis Rule - "do good and avoid evil" - sits at the heart of everything. From this come five primary precepts: preservation of life, ordered society, worship of God, education, and reproduction. These aren't random rules but reflect what humans naturally need to flourish.
Aquinas outlined four levels of law working together. Eternal law represents God's perfect wisdom, divine law comes through scripture, natural law is what humans can work out through reason, and human law covers government systems.
Remember: The beatific vision is the ultimate goal - restoring our relationship with God to gain eternal life, which was damaged by Adam and Eve's fall.
Natural Law - Aquinas (Continued)
Understanding virtues is crucial for applying Natural Law properly. The four cardinal virtues (temperance, justice, prudence, courage) help guide behaviour, whilst the three revealed virtues (faith, hope, love) restore our fallen nature.
Aquinas distinguished between real goods (using reason properly to reach our purpose) and apparent goods (misusing reason, like having sex purely for pleasure rather than procreation). This isn't necessarily sinful, just missing the point.
The theory recognises that intentions matter alongside actions. Interior acts (your intentions) and exterior acts (what you actually do) can conflict - stealing to help the poor might have good intentions but remains wrong externally.
Exam Tip: For AO2 evaluation, remember the key strengths (clear guidance for believers, recognises human fallibility) and weaknesses (inflexible, only works for Christians, naturalistic fallacy).
Application to Abortion and Euthanasia
When applying Natural Law to abortion, the primary precept of preservation of life takes centre stage. However, Catholic theologian Kainz argues other factors matter too, like the right to procreate and nurture offspring properly.
Abortion (termination of a foetus) has been legal in the UK since 1967, but most Christians oppose it as violating "thou shall not kill." Some might allow exceptions for rape or incest, though traditional approaches emphasise keeping the pregnancy and using virtues.
Euthanasia (aiding someone in dying) raises complex questions about the 'slippery slope' - could vulnerable people be pressured into it? The theory asks fundamental questions: what makes someone human, and can bodily autonomy override sanctity of life?
Think About It: Mill's argument for individual autonomy conflicts with Natural Law's emphasis on absolute moral rules - this tension appears in many exam questions.
Finnis Development
Finnis modernised Natural Law with seven basic human goods that don't need proving - they're self-evidently valuable. These include life, knowledge, friendship, play, aesthetic appreciation, practical reasonableness, and religion (broadly understood, not specific denominations).
His nine requirements of practical reason guide decision-making without creating rigid hierarchies. You should view life holistically, avoid arbitrary preferences, apply goods equally to everyone, and never deliberately harm a basic good.
The distinction between theoretical reason (understanding facts) and practical reason (working out right and wrong) is crucial. Practical reason deals with ethical obligations that theoretical reasoning simply can't handle.
Key Insight: Unlike traditional Natural Law, Finnis allows flexibility - there's no single correct action in every situation, just requirements for reasonable decision-making.
Hoose Proportionalism
Hoose created a hybrid approach combining Natural Law's structure with flexible application. His proportionalism maxim states: "Never go against a principle unless there's a proportional reason to justify it."
He distinguished between good acts (following moral rules) and right acts (contextually appropriate). This allows for pre-moral evil - acts that seem bad but aren't necessarily immoral, like theft to feed a starving family.
The theory recognises three types of evil: moral evil (outright immoral acts like murder), pre-moral evil (contextually bad but potentially justified), and ontic evil (natural suffering like cancer from the fall).
Exam Focus: This approach works for both atheists and theists, making it more universal than traditional Natural Law, but critics argue it leads to moral relativism.
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Ethics Theme 2: Exploring Natural Law and Beyond
N
Nat Mitchell
@natmitchell_jzjv
Aquinas' Natural Law Theory provides a framework for making moral decisions based on human reason and divine guidance. This ethical system has been developed and applied by modern thinkers like Finnis and Hoose to address contemporary moral dilemmas.
Ethics Theme 2 - WJEC
This section covers one of the most important ethical theories you'll study in your A-levels. Natural Law Theory forms the backbone of Christian ethics and provides clear guidelines for moral decision-making.
You'll explore how ancient philosophical thinking connects to modern moral dilemmas. The theory bridges the gap between religious belief and rational thinking, making it relevant whether you're religious or not.
Key Point: Natural Law Theory isn't just about following rules - it's about understanding the purpose behind moral actions and how they help us flourish as human beings.
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Natural Law - Aquinas
Aquinas believed that rational thought alone isn't enough for moral decisions because human reason is fallible - we need God's perfect guidance. The theory requires belief in a divine creator to work properly.
The Synderesis Rule - "do good and avoid evil" - sits at the heart of everything. From this come five primary precepts: preservation of life, ordered society, worship of God, education, and reproduction. These aren't random rules but reflect what humans naturally need to flourish.
Aquinas outlined four levels of law working together. Eternal law represents God's perfect wisdom, divine law comes through scripture, natural law is what humans can work out through reason, and human law covers government systems.
Remember: The beatific vision is the ultimate goal - restoring our relationship with God to gain eternal life, which was damaged by Adam and Eve's fall.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Natural Law - Aquinas (Continued)
Understanding virtues is crucial for applying Natural Law properly. The four cardinal virtues (temperance, justice, prudence, courage) help guide behaviour, whilst the three revealed virtues (faith, hope, love) restore our fallen nature.
Aquinas distinguished between real goods (using reason properly to reach our purpose) and apparent goods (misusing reason, like having sex purely for pleasure rather than procreation). This isn't necessarily sinful, just missing the point.
The theory recognises that intentions matter alongside actions. Interior acts (your intentions) and exterior acts (what you actually do) can conflict - stealing to help the poor might have good intentions but remains wrong externally.
Exam Tip: For AO2 evaluation, remember the key strengths (clear guidance for believers, recognises human fallibility) and weaknesses (inflexible, only works for Christians, naturalistic fallacy).
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Application to Abortion and Euthanasia
When applying Natural Law to abortion, the primary precept of preservation of life takes centre stage. However, Catholic theologian Kainz argues other factors matter too, like the right to procreate and nurture offspring properly.
Abortion (termination of a foetus) has been legal in the UK since 1967, but most Christians oppose it as violating "thou shall not kill." Some might allow exceptions for rape or incest, though traditional approaches emphasise keeping the pregnancy and using virtues.
Euthanasia (aiding someone in dying) raises complex questions about the 'slippery slope' - could vulnerable people be pressured into it? The theory asks fundamental questions: what makes someone human, and can bodily autonomy override sanctity of life?
Think About It: Mill's argument for individual autonomy conflicts with Natural Law's emphasis on absolute moral rules - this tension appears in many exam questions.
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Finnis Development
Finnis modernised Natural Law with seven basic human goods that don't need proving - they're self-evidently valuable. These include life, knowledge, friendship, play, aesthetic appreciation, practical reasonableness, and religion (broadly understood, not specific denominations).
His nine requirements of practical reason guide decision-making without creating rigid hierarchies. You should view life holistically, avoid arbitrary preferences, apply goods equally to everyone, and never deliberately harm a basic good.
The distinction between theoretical reason (understanding facts) and practical reason (working out right and wrong) is crucial. Practical reason deals with ethical obligations that theoretical reasoning simply can't handle.
Key Insight: Unlike traditional Natural Law, Finnis allows flexibility - there's no single correct action in every situation, just requirements for reasonable decision-making.
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Hoose Proportionalism
Hoose created a hybrid approach combining Natural Law's structure with flexible application. His proportionalism maxim states: "Never go against a principle unless there's a proportional reason to justify it."
He distinguished between good acts (following moral rules) and right acts (contextually appropriate). This allows for pre-moral evil - acts that seem bad but aren't necessarily immoral, like theft to feed a starving family.
The theory recognises three types of evil: moral evil (outright immoral acts like murder), pre-moral evil (contextually bad but potentially justified), and ontic evil (natural suffering like cancer from the fall).
Exam Focus: This approach works for both atheists and theists, making it more universal than traditional Natural Law, but critics argue it leads to moral relativism.
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user