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Words: | Submitted: Wed Sep 17 2003
... causes (getting something done), and final causes (having something done). He determined whether things were good or bad dependent on there final purpose. Aquinas took Aristotle's ideas and influenced by them, he began to structure the natural law. He reasoned that humans are 'free', and that they have to choose to follow the natural law; understood through reason. Humans have purposes: to reproduce, to learn, to live harmoniously within society and to worship God. God created these purposes, and each individual is capable of achieving their purpose if they so wish. Aquinas taught however, that morals are not solely orders from God, but they should also be based upon philosophical investigation and this should lead people to a heightened awareness of morality. The idea is that natural law becomes a habitual following, not something that man struggles to pursue. (Morality and happiness are also strongly linked in this way.) All ...
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