St. Thomas Aquinas' Teaching on Natural Law

Introduction

• Aquinas' teaching on natural law is rooted in his broader theological and philosophical views centered on God.
• The eternal law is considered the highest kind of law: the divine plan of order in the mind of God for the universe.

Eternal Law

• Definition: The eternal plan of order in God's mind for the universe and creatures.
• Creatures have inclinations towards their proper acts and ends according to this plan.
• Human participation in eternal law: Termed as natural law.

Natural Law

• Definition: Rational creatures' (humans) participation in the eternal law.
• Humans can understand the world, grasp what is good, and act on it through rational desire (will).
• Higher participation in God's providential plan than other creatures, as humans can understand and willfully act.

Human Nature and Inclinations

• Humans share natural inclinations with other creatures but possess reason and a spiritual soul.
• Spiritual nature enables free choices and understanding, unlike brute force or instinct in animals.
• Spiritual inclinations are not opposed but root of our freedom.

Key Misunderstandings

• Spiritual nature and freedom: Our spiritual inclinations do not limit freedom but are its source.
• Thirst for truth analogy: Spiritual thirst or desire increases freedom by motivating the activity to learn.

Natural Inclinations According to Aquinas

• Inclinations are part of spiritual nature and follow God's eternal plan.
• Five Principal Natural Inclinations:
  1. To the good - what perfects us.
  2. To self-preservation - food, shelter, clothing, avoiding threats.
  3. To sexual union and upbringing of offspring.
  4. To knowing the truth.
  5. To living in society - friendship, justice, fairness.
• Distorted desires due to sin can go against these inclinations.

Natural Law and Human Law

• Just human law aligns with natural law while conflicting laws are not morally binding.
• Clear Examples: General and negative precepts like the Ten Commandments (theft, murder, lying, adultery, suicide) are universally wrong.
• Positive Precepts: Harder to apply as they depend on context e.g., being brave or just.
• Human lawmakers' role: Specify and apply natural law precepts in particular communities, respecting negative precepts.

Conclusion

• The purpose of our freedom is to self-order according to God's plan.

Additional Resources

• Visit Aquinas101.com for further readings, podcasts, and video courses.