John Duns Scotus was a prominent medieval philosopher and theologian who made significant contributions to the development of moral philosophy. His moral philosophy is grounded in his broader metaphysical and theological views, and it differs in important ways from the views of other medieval philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas.
Scotus’s Moral Ontology
Scotus’s moral ontology centers on the concept of goodness, which he understands as a fundamental aspect of reality. According to Scotus, goodness is not an arbitrary feature of things, but rather is grounded in their essential nature. This means that for Scotus, the value of an action or object is not determined by some external standard or law, but rather by its intrinsic nature as a good or valuable thing.
Scotus also believes that the ultimate source of all goodness is God. God is the highest and most perfect good, and all other goods are derived from God’s goodness. This means that for Scotus, ethical principles are not arbitrary or subjective, but rather are grounded in the nature of God and the nature of reality itself.
Scotus’s Moral Theory
Scotus’s moral theory centers on the concept of freedom, which he understands as the ability to choose between alternatives. According to Scotus, freedom is a necessary condition for moral responsibility, because it is only through our free choices that we can be held accountable for our actions.
Scotus also distinguishes between two types of freedom: natural freedom and moral freedom. Natural freedom is the ability to choose between alternatives, while moral freedom is the ability to choose between good and evil. For Scotus, moral freedom is the highest form of freedom, because it allows us to choose what is truly valuable and good.
Scotus’s Ethics
Scotus’s ethical theory is grounded in his moral ontology and theory. According to Scotus, ethical principles are not arbitrary or imposed from outside, but rather are grounded in the intrinsic nature of reality. He believes that there are certain goods that are intrinsically valuable, such as love, justice, and wisdom, and that our ethical judgments are based on our recognition of these goods.
Scotus also believes that ethical principles are not absolute or fixed, but rather are contingent on the particular circumstances of each situation. This means that there are no universal moral laws that apply in all situations, but rather we must use our moral judgment to determine the best course of action in each individual case.
Scotus’s ethical theory also emphasizes the importance of the individual conscience. According to Scotus, each person has a unique and personal relationship with God, and it is through our conscience that we are able to discern what is truly valuable and good. This means that we must take responsibility for our own ethical decisions, and that we cannot simply rely on external authorities or moral codes to guide us.
Finally, Scotus’s ethical theory emphasizes the importance of love as the ultimate goal of human life. According to Scotus, love is the highest and most perfect form of goodness, and it is through love that we are able to achieve true happiness and fulfillment.
Conclusion
Scotus’s moral philosophy is grounded in his broader metaphysical and theological views, and it emphasizes the importance of freedom, individual conscience, and love. His ethical theory is distinctive in its rejection of absolute moral laws and its emphasis on the intrinsic value of goods. While Scotus’s ideas were not universally accepted in his own time, his work has had a lasting influence on the development of moral philosophy, and his insights continue to be relevant today.