Natural Law: Real vs. Apparent Goods
Natural law theory distinguishes between genuine goods (those truly perfecting human nature) and apparent goods (those seem desirable but actually harm human flourishing). Correct moral reasoning identifies real goods; error in judgment permits apparent goods to mislead us toward immoral acts.
Real World
Social media algorithms exploit the apparent good of social connection while undermining genuine friendship and mental health — Aquinas would classify compulsive scrolling as pursuing an apparent good that corrupts the real good of authentic community.
Exam Focus
When applying real/apparent goods, always name the relevant primary precept being undermined — this links AO1 knowledge directly to AO2 application.
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