Natural Law and St.
Thomas Aquinas
Introduction to St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas was a prominent figure in medieval scholasticism. He was an Italian
Dominican theologian born in Roccasecca, Italy, in 1225, and he passed away on March 7, 1274.
His work significantly influenced philosophical and theological thought, particularly concerning
natural law.
Natural Law
Natural law is a moral framework based on the inherent functions, design, purpose, and order of
nature. These laws are discoverable by human intellect, which Aquinas believed was a gift from
God to all human beings.
Key Characteristics of Natural Law
Based on Nature: Moral standards are derived from the natural order of the universe.
Knowable by Intellect: Human reason allows individuals to understand these natural laws.
Universal: Natural law is applicable to all people because it is knowable through reason.
Absolutist: It is considered an exceptionless rule, meaning it does not have exceptions.
The Four Kinds of Laws According to St. Thomas
Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas proposed a hierarchy of four interconnected types of law:
Eternal Law
Eternal law is defined as the Reason of God that governs the entirety of the universe. It
represents God's divine plan and providence for all creation.
Natural Law
Natural law is considered humanity's rational participation in divine law. It is how humans,
through their intellect, understand and interact with the eternal law. It provides the basis for
moral principles that are universally accessible.
Divine Law
Divine law is derived from a transcendent source, specifically God. This is a theological
explanation for laws that originate from a supreme being. It often includes revealed truths and
guidance not discoverable by reason alone, such as those found in religious texts like the Bible.
Human Law
Human law, also referred to as positive law, is the lowest form of law in Aquinas's hierarchy. It is
enacted by humans to govern societies and uphold civil rights. Human laws should ideally be in
accordance with natural law and eternal law.
Positive Law
Positive law is a written law intended for comprehension by rational beings. It aims to provide
clarity and enforceability, and in turn, it can illuminate the concepts of natural and eternal law.
There are two main types of positive laws in the world:
Civil Law
Civil laws are promulgated by human authorities to maintain peace and order within a society.
Their primary function is to protect the individual rights of citizens by upholding their civil
liberties.
Ecclesiastical Law
Ecclesiastical law, also known as Canon law, is a body of laws established within certain
Christian churches. It is created by lawful ecclesiastical authority to govern the church as a
whole, its various parts, and the conduct of individuals within the religious community.
Happiness and Virtues
For St. Thomas Aquinas, happiness is the ultimate good and the fulfillment of all desires. He
believed that perfect happiness is the chief good that all humans strive for. Everything we do,
according to Aquinas, is ultimately done for the sake of achieving good.
Aquinas identified four cardinal virtues that are essential for achieving happiness and living a
moral life:
Prudence: The ability to discern the appropriate course of action in a given situation.
Justice: Giving each person what they are due.
Fortitude: Courage in the face of adversity.
Temperance: Moderation and self-restraint.