GREETINGS

The idea of natural law has consistently influenced how people view ethics and justice in the
field of moral philosophy. Natural law has been a guiding principle in numerous religious,
philosophical, and legal systems. It is based on the idea that there are intrinsic moral rules
controlling the natural world. This report goes into the complex web of natural law, analyzing
its underlying ideas and examines how it has been applied in a Christian context, particularly
through Thomas Aquinas' perspective.
INTRODUCTION
In October 2016, newspapers reported that Pantaleon Alvarez, Speaker of the House of
Representatives, was intending to draft a bill which would amend the country's Family Code,
thereby allowing for the legalization of same-sex unions. This would result in the possibility
of two men together or two women together being identified as a couple with rights
guaranteed and protected by the law. However, as one newspaper report revealed, even
before anything could be formally proposed, other fellow legislators had already expressed
to the media their refusal to support any such initiative.
Explanation: The Philippines does not legally recognize same-sex unions, either in the form
of marriage or civil unions. One of the reasons is that the Philippines is a predominantly
Catholic country, and the teachings of the Catholic Church traditionally oppose same-sex
relationships and marriage. Religious beliefs often influence public opinion and can shape
legislation and policies. Also, The Family Code of the Philippines only recognizes marriages
between "a man and a woman". The Constitution itself does not mention the legality of
same-sex unions.
The reasons given in the news article vary, ranging from the opinion that seeing two men
kiss is unsightly, to the statement that there is something "irregular" about belonging to the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community, and to the judgment that two people
of the same sex being together is unnatural.
Explanation: When two men or women kiss, some may see it as unsightly. For example,
when two women or men post their relationship on social media. We can't deny that some
of us are judging them. The reasons mentioned, such as considering same-sex affection
unsightly, viewing LGBTQ+ identity as irregular, or deeming same-sex relationships as
unnatural, are unfortunately common misconceptions and prejudices that have been used
to justify discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.
We are used to hearing people justify done something by making the appeal that what they
maintain is what is "natural" and therefore acceptable. Likewise, people would judge
something as unacceptable on the basis that it is supposedly "unnatural." Thus, we are no
longer surprised when we hear people condemn and label many different things as
"unnatural": maybe receiving blood transfusions, eating meat, or, as our news report shows,
engaging in sexual relations that one might consider deviant. We also realize that sometimes
we might find ourselves astonished or perplexed as to what different people might consider
"unnatural."
Explanation:
People often use the terms “natural and unnatural” to justify their beliefs and actions,
especially when it comes to moral, ethical, or social issues. However, what is considered
"natural" or "unnatural" can vary significantly based on cultural, religious, and individual
perspectives.
In order to proceed, it is therefore necessary to ask: "What do the words natural and
unnatural mean?" Sometimes, the word "natural" seems to be used to refer to some kind of
intuition that a person has, one which is so apparently true to him that it is unquestioned .
For example, a woman may claim that it is simply "unnatural" to eat any kind of insect, and
what this means is that she personally finds herself averse to the idea of doing so.
Explanation: What she finds natural aligns with her personal beliefs, cultural norms, or
individual preferences. The concept of what is considered "natural" vary greatly from person
to person and from one culture or society to another. What feels natural or unnatural to one
person might not be the same for another. For instance, a person who has lived near the
ocean for a long time may express their intuitive connection to the ocean as a fundamental
part of their being. The term "natural" emphasizes the deeply ingrained, unquestionable
feeling they have towards the ocean, as if it is a part of their nature.
In other instances, the word is used to try to justify a certain way of behaving by seeing its
likeness somewhere in the natural world. For example, a man might claim that it is okay for
him to have more than one sexual partner, since, in a pride of lions, the alpha male gets to
mate with all the she-lions.
EXPLANATION:
The term "natural" is frequently used in discussions about human behavior, especially in
relationships, morality, and social norms. People often use examples from the natural world
to justify their actions or beliefs, claiming they are inherent to human nature. However, this
argument should be cautious, as human societies and ethics are complex and often involve
considerations beyond natural observations.
In yet other instances, the word "natural" is used as an appeal to something instinctual
without it being directed by reason. For example, a man may deem it all right if he were to
urinate just anywhere because after all he sees it as "natural" function of humans. Another
example is that a child believe that it is natural to cry when you are hurt. Acknowledging that
crying is a natural and instinctive way for humans to express distress or discomfort.
Lastly, we also easily find people using the word "natural" to refer to what seems common to
them given their particular environment. For instance, a Filipina may suppose that eating
three full meals of rice and ulam every day is what is "natural" because everyone she knows
behaves in that way. Like example sa mga muslims, we all know na they are allowed to have
more than one wife as long as kaya nila sustentuhan or buhion as cited sa ila koran. So
“natural” lang sa mga muslim na lalaki na mag-asawa more than one wife.
 Given these varied meanings of the term "natural," we need to find a more solid and
nuanced way to understand the term. In this chapter, we will explore how Thomas Aquinas
provides this, emphasizing the capacity for reason as what is essential in our human nature.
This understanding of human nature anchored on our capacity for reason will become the
basis of the natural law theory, a theory which will provide us a unique way of determining
the moral status of our actions.

THOMAS AQUINAS
There have been various thinkers and systems of thought emerging throughout history that
could be said to present a natural law theory. Among them, the one we will be focusing on is
the medieval thinker, Thomas Aquinas. It has to be recognized, however, that this natural
law theory is part of a larger discussion, which is his moral theory taken as a whole. This
moral theory, in turn, is part of a larger project, which is Aquinas's vision of the Christian
faith. Before we turn to the natural law theory, let us take a look at these contexts.
Hailed as a doctor of the Roman Catholic Church, Thomas Aquinas was a Dominican friar
who was the preeminent intellectual figure of the scholastic period of the Middle Ages,
contributing to the doctrine of the faith more than any other figure of his time. His Summa
Theologiae, Aquinas's magnum opus, is a voluminous work that comprehensively discusses
many significant points in Christian theology. He was canonized in 1323.

THE CONTEXT OF THE CHRISTIAN STORY

The fundamental truth maintained and elaborated by Aquinas in all his works is the
promise right at the center of the Christian faith: that we are created by God in order to
ultimately return to Him. The structure of his magnum opus Summa Theologiae follows the
trajectory of this story.
There are three parts to this voluminous work. In the first part, Aquinas speaks of
God, and although we acknowledge that our limited human intellect cannot fully grasp Him,
we nevertheless are able to say something concerning His goodness, His might, and His
creative power.
The first part of the Summa Theologiae is primarily concerned with the nature and existence
of God and is comprised of discussions of 119 questions. Aquinas delves into philosophical
arguments for the existence of God, drawing heavily from Aristotle and other classical
philosophers. He explores concepts such as the nature of divine simplicity, the divine
attributes, and the divine will. Aquinas's aim in this section is to provide a rational
foundation for the existence and nature of God, aligning faith with reason.
Recognizing then that we are created by God, we move on to the second part, which deals
with man or the dynamic of human life.
The second part of the Summa Theologiae addresses various aspects of moral theology and
human life that includes discussions of 303 questions. Aquinas discusses ethics, virtue, sin,
law, and conscience. He explores the concept of natural law, emphasizing the moral
principles inherent in human nature, which guide human actions toward the ultimate good.
This part also covers sacraments, focusing on the role of the Church in the salvation of
humanity.
Human life is characterized by our pursuit of happiness, which ultimately rests on God
Himself, not on any specific good created by God. While striving for ultimate happiness is
important, it doesn't bring us to a blessed state. Salvation is possible through God's grace,
which has become perfectly incarnate in Jesus, making Jesus our Savior.
The third part of the Summa Theologiae centers around the person and work of Jesus Christ
and comprised of discussions of 90 questions. Aquinas discusses the Incarnation, the life and
teachings of Jesus, the Paschal Mystery (his suffering, death, and resurrection), and the
sacraments, especially the Eucharist. This section delves into the theological understanding
of redemption and salvation, emphasizing the significance of Jesus Christ as the mediator
between God and humanity.
Given that our concern here is the question of ethics, it would seem clear that what would
be of greatest interest to us is the second part or the section of this story that centers on
human life and its striving toward God. The second part of the Summa follows this complex
of ideas. In this section, St. Thomas explores the concept of man's pursuit of the highest
good, which is the vision of God (visio beata). His ethical system is deeply rooted in the
philosophy of Aristotle.
According to St. Thomas, human beings strive for the highest end through a series of
voluntary acts of the will. These acts are considered free because humans have knowledge
of their goals and are able to choose the appropriate means to achieve these ends. The will,
in desiring the ultimate goal, also desires the necessary means to attain it. Through free
choice, individuals decide on their actions and give their consent to those actions. The moral
quality of these acts, whether they are good or evil, is determined by the end goal.
In this ethical framework, human reason plays a crucial role. It judges the nature of the
chosen end and serves as the guiding principle for action. Human acts are deemed
meritorious when they align with the divine purpose and honor God.
Living a good life leads to God, but it's important not to misunderstand it as simply obeying
rules from Church doctrines or sacred Scriptures. Instead, we should focus on the complexity
and coherence of Aquinas' ethics, rather than the divine command theory, which may fall
into danger.