The Natural Law (Aquinas 101)

Summary

St. Thomas Aquinas' teachings on natural law illustrate how divine order influences human morality. He defines eternal law as God's universal plan, reflected in natural law, which guides human inclinations towards the good. Aquinas identifies five key inclinations: the pursuit of good, self-preservation, sexual union, knowledge, and social living. Human laws must align with natural law to be just; violating natural law renders them morally void. By understanding these inclinations, individuals can act freely and justly, participating in God's plan while lawmakers specify natural law principles for the common good.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aquinas teaches that natural law is rooted in the eternal law, which is God's plan for the universe.
• 😀 Natural law represents rational creatures' participation in the eternal law, particularly for human beings.
• 😀 Unlike other creatures, humans possess a spiritual soul, allowing them to understand and make free choices.
• 😀 Spiritual inclinations are not contrary to natural inclinations; they are the source of human freedom and agency.
• 😀 Aquinas identifies five principal natural inclinations: to the good, self-preservation, sexual union, knowing the truth, and living in society.
• 😀 Natural law is inherent to human nature, not imposed from an external authority, aligning with our design.
• 😀 Human laws must be in accord with natural law to be just; laws that conflict with natural law are not morally binding.
• 😀 The negative precepts of natural law, such as prohibitions against murder and theft, are universally applicable.
• 😀 Positive precepts, like being just or brave, can vary in application and require careful specification by human lawmakers.
• 😀 The ultimate purpose of human freedom is to order our lives towards God in alignment with His divine plan.

Q & A

What is the concept of eternal law in St. Thomas Aquinas' teaching?

Eternal law is described as the highest kind of law, representing God's eternal plan of order for the universe, imprinted in the creatures God creates.

How does Aquinas define natural law?

Natural law is defined as the rational creature's participation in the eternal law, allowing humans to understand what is good for them and to act accordingly.

What distinguishes human beings from other creatures according to Aquinas?

Unlike other creatures, humans possess the power of reason and a spiritual soul, enabling them to make free choices and understand their inclinations rather than being driven solely by instinct.

What are the five principal natural inclinations identified by Aquinas?

The five principal natural inclinations are: the inclination to the good, self-preservation, sexual union and upbringing of offspring, knowing the truth, and living in society.

How does Aquinas view the relationship between natural inclinations and human freedom?

Aquinas sees spiritual inclinations as sources of human freedom that spur individuals to act, rather than limiting it. They guide us toward what fulfills our nature and leads to happiness.

What is the significance of the negative precepts of natural law?

Negative precepts, such as prohibitions against theft and murder, are seen as universally applicable and morally binding because they align with the fundamental goods of human life.

Why are positive precepts more complex according to Aquinas?

Positive precepts, which promote actions like being brave or just, can vary in application and context, making them less straightforward than negative precepts.

What role do human lawmakers have in relation to natural law?

Human lawmakers are responsible for specifying and applying the general precepts of natural law in a way that promotes the common good within their communities.

How does Aquinas believe natural law is related to human law?

Aquinas asserts that human law is just only when it aligns with natural law. Laws conflicting with natural law are not morally binding.

What is the ultimate purpose of human freedom in Aquinas' thought?

The ultimate purpose of human freedom is to enable individuals to order themselves and their actions according to God's plan, participating intentionally in their moral and spiritual growth.