Natural Moral Law
An ethical theory, developed by Aquinas, asserting that morality derives from universal, divinely ordained human nature. Reason, applied to human nature and its fulfillment (eudaimonia), reveals moral law. Primary precepts (pursue good, live in society, procreate) and secondary precepts (specific rules derived from primaries) constitute natural law. The doctrine asserts morality is objective and discoverable through reason.
Real World
The Nuremberg trials (1945–46) prosecuted Nazi war criminals under principles beyond German positive law — prosecutors appealed to a universal moral standard discoverable by reason, which is precisely the Natural Moral Law claim that objective ethics transcends any one state's legal code.
Exam Focus
Structure answers by moving from eternal law → natural law → human law; this hierarchy shows Aquinas's full framework and secures higher AO1 marks.
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