St. Thomas Aquinas--Introduction A product of the middle ages. Mankind seen as one community, christendom, subject to one eternal law and government. Monarchical form of government in church and empire was the obvious result of the unitary principle.

St. Thomas Aquinas--Introduction Middle ages. Scholasticism. School of thought that reconciled classic philosophy with the teachings of Roman Catholicism. Religion seen as primary to philosophy. Faith over knowledge. Reason should never contradict faith. More to this later.

Aquinas and Summa Theologica Purposes: Systematic survey of Christian theology. Proofs for the existence of God and the soul. An elaboration of philosophical and social judgments based largely on Aristotle.

Philosophy vs Theology Philosophy Understanding the material world. Via human reason. Relatively certain. Based on human insight.

Philosophy vs Theology Theology Understanding the other-world. Via divine revelation. Absolutely certain. Based on divine authority.

Scholasticism  How is Aquinas influenced by scholasticism?  Merges faith and reason.  Fuses the church and the state into a coherent whole.  Without faith, reason is a fraud.  Without reason, faith is a fraud.

Scholasticism  Faith and knowledge were seen by Aquinas as divine in origin.  So, conflict between the two can’t be real, only apparent.  No conflict because they deal in different realms entirely.  Faith isn’t contrary to reason, it’s above reason.  Can’t be proven. Once proven, it’s no longer faith.  It’s reason!

Scholasticism  Reason, on the other hand, proceeds under the light of naturally known and self-evident principles.  Reason is the perfection of man’s understanding of the natural order of the universe.  Reason arrives at God’s intentions through natural study and experience.  It can be proven.

Proofs for the Existence of God and the Soul ► Uncaused cause argument for God’s existence ► Soul ► Comprised of 2 parts: ► Intellect ► Will

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle Man’s goal in the state Man’s goal in the state The good life. The good life. Common good above individual good. Common good above individual good. Political community a natural institution. Political community a natural institution.

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle Hierarchical value system Hierarchical value system Secular government subject to the church. Secular government subject to the church. Intermediate vs ultimate ends. Intermediate vs ultimate ends.

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle Concerned most with the legal aspect of politics. Concerned most with the legal aspect of politics. 4 part hierarchical theory of law: 4 part hierarchical theory of law: Based on jurisdiction. Based on jurisdiction. ETERNAL LAW ETERNAL LAW God’s plan, known only to Him. God’s plan, known only to Him. DIVINE LAW DIVINE LAW God’s commandments. God’s commandments.

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle 4 part hierarchical theory of law: 4 part hierarchical theory of law: NATURAL LAW NATURAL LAW Subject to human interpretation. Subject to human interpretation. 3 Levels: 3 Levels: Instinct Instinct Conduct Conduct Human Inclination Human Inclination

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle HUMAN LAW HUMAN LAW Positive, preventive. Positive, preventive. Should reflect natural and divine law. Should reflect natural and divine law.

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle 4 part hierarchical theory of law: 4 part hierarchical theory of law: HUMAN LAW (definition) HUMAN LAW (definition) “An ordinance of reason”--must make sense. “An ordinance of reason”--must make sense. “For the common good.” “For the common good.” “Promulgated by one who has the care of the community.” “Promulgated by one who has the care of the community.” Must derive from the people or from someone they’ve entrusted with governing. Must derive from the people or from someone they’ve entrusted with governing. Must be clearly and publicly announced. Must be clearly and publicly announced.

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle Views on monarchy Views on monarchy An unequivocal monarchist. An unequivocal monarchist. Government related to the divine order. Government related to the divine order. Disobedience of the commands of a superior = mortal sin. Disobedience of the commands of a superior = mortal sin. Religious view of the world. Religious view of the world. “In the whole universe there is one God, Maker and Ruler of all things.” “In the whole universe there is one God, Maker and Ruler of all things.”

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle Views on monarchy Views on monarchy Believed that the main practical task in political society was the unity of peace. Believed that the main practical task in political society was the unity of peace. One ruler doesn’t face the problem of disagreement. One ruler doesn’t face the problem of disagreement.

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle Views on monarchy Views on monarchy But, Aquinas is concerned that monarchy not deteriorate into tyranny. But, Aquinas is concerned that monarchy not deteriorate into tyranny. Disliked hereditary kingship. Disliked hereditary kingship. Historically, too easy to fall into tyranny. Historically, too easy to fall into tyranny. Preference was for elective kingship. Preference was for elective kingship. Model? Model? Preference is for rule of law over rule of men. Preference is for rule of law over rule of men.

Philosophical and Social Judgments based on Aristotle Views on tyranny Views on tyranny Minor vs excessive. Minor vs excessive. Problem of revolutionary resistance to minor tyranny. Problem of revolutionary resistance to minor tyranny. Inner dynamic of revolution. Inner dynamic of revolution. Action may be taken against excessive tyranny in certain situations. Action may be taken against excessive tyranny in certain situations. If appointed by a higher sovereign, only that sovereign can dismiss the tyrant. Divine right claim. If appointed by a higher sovereign, only that sovereign can dismiss the tyrant. Divine right claim. If elected, however, people have the authority to depose. If elected, however, people have the authority to depose.