Philosophy help for a beginner

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jphippie123

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I read a lot about theology, but the other day, I finally decided to start reading about philosophy in greater depth, particularly in regards to ethics, natural law, and the highest good of human life. I’ve been reading primarily pages from the Catholic Encyclopedia and the Summa on New Advent.

Am I on the right track in summarizing some of what I’ve read by saying:
“That which is contrary to natural law is any action that directs a subject away from the object of its highest good.” ?

Thanks for any help! God bless!
 
jphippie123 said:
Am I on the right track in summarizing some of what I’ve read by saying:
“That which is contrary to natural law is any action that directs a subject away from the object of its highest good.” ?
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Looks good!

You might read the encyclical Veritatis splendor by Pope John Paul II, which is a good overview of natural law and its relation to scripture and the Magisterium.
 
**jp

“That which is contrary to natural law is any action that directs a subject away from the object of its highest good.” ?**

That is a good starting point for the definition of natural law. Another way to put what you have said is that for Christians natural law ethics requires that we act in such a way as to affirm the mandate from God to do good and avoid evil, a law that was planted in us all from the start. Atheists might also subscribe to the natural law ethic, but they will see its origin in nature rather than from God, the author of our human nature.
 
Thanks to both of you for your replies!
I’ll be sure to check out Veritatis splendor more!

God bless
 
jphippie123 said:
I read a lot about theology, but the other day, I finally decided to start reading about philosophy in greater depth, particularly in regards to ethics, natural law, and the highest good of human life. I’ve been reading primarily pages from the Catholic Encyclopedia and the Summa on New Advent.

Am I on the right track in summarizing some of what I’ve read by saying:
“That which is contrary to natural law is any action that directs a subject away from the object of its highest good.” ?

Thanks for any help! God bless!
Click to expand...
Try this Introduction to Philosophy for Young People, you can read it online, looks like it is meant for High School students.

lifeissues.net/writers/mcm/ph/ph_01philosophyyouth1.html

Linus2nd
 
Thanks for the link. It looks helpful. I’ll be sure to return to it as time allows.

God bless
 
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