Question

16. Using the moral criteria of adequacy, evaluate natural law theory.

Answer 1

16.

According to the criteria of adequacy for moral theories;

(1) consistency with considered moral judgments,

(2) consistency with our experience of the moral life, and

(3) workability in real-life situations.

According to the 'natural law' theory that human morality comes from nature and everything in nature has a purpose, including humans and the purpose of our living according to natural law theorists, is to live a good, happy life. Living good life makes workability in a real-life situation. But it may not be consistent with our experience of the moral life, as living a good life means enjoying the pleasures of life; which may lead to a compromise of the morals and hence it may not be consistent with considered moral judgments i.e. moral right or wrong.