Primary and Secondary Precepts
In Aquinas's Natural Moral Law, primary precepts are self-evident principles of practical reason discoverable through reflection on human nature: pursue good, avoid evil, live in community, procreate, educate, live justly. Secondary precepts are specific moral rules derived logically from primaries through reason's application to circumstances and human nature's goals.
Real World
The Catholic Church's opposition to abortion draws on the primary precept to 'protect innocent life', while its rules against contraception derive as a secondary precept from the primary precept to 'procreate' — showing how Aquinas's hierarchy generates specific Church teaching.
Exam Focus
When 'explain' asks about secondary precepts, always trace them back to their primary precept to secure full marks.
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