Aquinas on Natural Law

Summary

In this video, Dr. Gloria Frost from the University of St. Thomas explains Thomas Aquinas' theory of natural law. Aquinas believed that God created the world and remains intimately involved in it, desiring all creatures to flourish. He argued that humans, unlike animals, have the unique ability to use reason to understand and act on God's will. Natural law, according to Aquinas, is the combination of instincts and reason that guides humans toward moral behavior and flourishing. Through reflection, humans can derive moral precepts, such as doing good and avoiding evil.

Takeaways

• 📜 Aquinas' theory of natural law is grounded in his belief that God created the world and remains involved in it, wanting all creatures to flourish.
• 🌍 Natural law is God's wisdom imprinted in creatures, guiding them through instincts to perform actions that are good for their flourishing.
• 🐦 Animals follow their instincts automatically, but humans can reason about their instincts and make choices on how to act.
• 🧠 Humans partake in eternal law more perfectly than animals because they can reflect on what is good and use reason to make moral choices.
• ⚖️ Natural law is the human participation in eternal law, where reason helps determine how to best fulfill God's will for human flourishing.
• 💡 Aquinas describes natural law as the light of natural reason that helps discern good from evil, imprinted on humans by divine light.
• 📜 The first precept of natural law is 'do good and avoid evil,' serving as the foundation for all other moral rules.
• 🔍 Humans have four main natural inclinations: self-preservation, species preservation, the desire for truth, and the inclination to live in society.
• 👶 From these natural inclinations, humans can reason to specific precepts such as not harming others, educating offspring, and pursuing knowledge.
• 🏛️ Human laws are necessary to implement natural law in specific societal contexts, but they must be rooted in and consistent with natural law.

Q & A

Who was Thomas Aquinas and what is his significance in philosophy?

Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian who lived from 1225 to 1274. He made important contributions to philosophy, particularly in developing the theory of natural law, which is foundational in understanding ethics and human nature.

What is Aquinas' theory of natural law?

Aquinas' theory of natural law suggests that human beings have instincts and reasoning that guide them toward actions that lead to their flourishing. This law is a reflection of God's eternal law and is imprinted on humans, allowing them to discern good from evil.

How does Aquinas explain God's involvement in the world according to natural law?

Aquinas believed that God not only created the world but is also constantly involved in it. He wills that all creatures flourish and has endowed them with instincts that guide them toward actions beneficial for their well-being.

How do instincts function in Aquinas' theory of natural law?

In Aquinas' theory, instincts are the natural inclinations given to creatures by God, guiding them to actions that help them flourish. For example, birds instinctively build nests, and humans have instincts to preserve life and reproduce.

What sets humans apart from animals in Aquinas' natural law theory?

Unlike animals, humans can reflect on their instincts using reason. While animals follow their instincts automatically, humans can deliberate on what is good for them and choose how to act, giving them a unique participation in God's eternal law.

What role does reason play in Aquinas' understanding of natural law?

Reason allows humans to reflect on their natural instincts and discern the best ways to act in accordance with those instincts. This reasoning helps them understand what leads to their flourishing and what moral rules to follow.

What is the first precept of natural law according to Aquinas?

The first precept of natural law, according to Aquinas, is to 'do good and avoid evil.' This is a general moral rule that underlies all other moral precepts. All actions that align with doing good or avoiding evil are following this precept.

What are the four main instincts Aquinas identifies in humans?

Aquinas identifies four main instincts in humans: the inclination to preserve life, the inclination to reproduce, the desire to know the truth, and the desire to live in society. These instincts help guide moral reasoning and behavior.

How does Aquinas derive specific moral rules from natural law?

Aquinas derives specific moral rules by reflecting on human instincts. For example, the instinct to preserve life leads to the rule that harming or killing others is wrong. The desire for truth leads to the rule that lying is wrong.

What role does human law play in Aquinas' view of natural law?

In Aquinas' view, human law plays the role of determining how general precepts of natural law are applied in specific societal contexts. Human laws must be consistent with natural law but take into account the unique conditions of each society.