Reason

The ability to think carefully about facts, principles and arguments when reaching a judgement.

The human ability to think, understand and make judgements; in natural law, it enables people to recognise moral good and evil.

Natural law means moral principles which Catholics believe God has placed within human nature and which people can discover through reason. Its most basic principle is do good and avoid evil. It concerns how people ought to behave, rather than describing how the physical world works.

Judgement based on thinking through reasons and evidence rather than simply accepting a claim.

Explain the chain of reasoning: good Creator → good creation and human reason → natural law → duty to protect human life.

Natural law is not a scientific law or simply whatever feels instinctive. Catholics believe its moral principles can be discovered through reason.

In evaluation, explain why an argument is persuasive or limited. A conclusion should weigh the reasons, not merely repeat your opinion.

The Bible, reason and personal conscience can all guide the individual making a decision. These are not necessarily competing authorities. Biblical teaching can provide a moral principle; reason can help someone understand the circumstances; conscience can judge what they ought to do.

Definition

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AQA GCSE Religious Studies B · 8063

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Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A · 1RA0