(40 marks) How should I structure my answer to the essay “Does natural law provide a helpful method of moral decision-making?”

Begin with an introduction. What is natural law? (An absolutist theory that argues that nature provides unambiguous answers to moral dilemmas) who initially proposed it? (Aquinas, 13th century theologian) Make sure you signpost your view on the matter (I.e. Yes it is a strong method of decision-making for a variety of reasons)2) With your line of argument set out, explain how natural law works and how it provides its moral guidance (primary precepts, real vs apparent good, “telos” etc...) Think of the strengths and weaknesses of the theory, critically analyse these to strengthen your view (due to it being an objective theory, natural law is practical and easy to follow when making moral decisions) What would the opposing view have as a response to natural law? Use scholars to back up as many arguments as possible. (Aquinas is naïve in believing that humans have a “natural inclination to do good” - Augustine argued that humans are corrupted by “Original Sin” this undermines Aquinas’ theory) Counter the response to further strengthen your view and argument. (There is no empirical evidence for Augustine’s view on human nature) Always refers back to the question and make sure you are indeed answering it.3) Include a conclusion or judgement, which summarises your argument and makes it clear that you answered the question. Your conclusion should logically follow through, just from reading the essay and should be the same as what you expressed in your introduction.

Answered by Henri L. • Religious Studies tutor

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