Thomas Aquinas

Two criticisms of Aquinas's natural law theory include its assumption that all humans are born with a uniform understanding of right and wrong, which does not account for cultural differences in...

Thomas Aquinas viewed reality as a duality between material experience ("potency") and God ("act"). Potency represents potential growth and accomplishment, while act signifies complete existence, as...

St. Thomas Aquinas's conception of divine law is that it is revealed directly by God and is distinct from natural and human laws. Divine law is accessible through divine revelations or commands and...

St. Thomas Aquinas believed the state's role is to promote the common good and ensure peace and justice. He advocated for rulers to act morally and respect natural law, emphasizing that authority...

One criticism of Aquinas's political ideas is that they don't provide an adequate foundation for challenging unjust rule except in the most extreme cases. Although Aquinas holds that subjects are not...

According to Saint Thomas Aquinas, natural law and human law should be connected by virtue. Human law is based in natural law, which is established by God. Only the virtuous will be able to...

Thomas Aquinas believed in the moral permissibility of self-defense. He argued that while murder is generally wrong, self-defense is not considered murder if the primary intention is to preserve...

St. Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle both addressed natural law, but with key differences. Aristotle viewed natural law as inherent moral principles revealed by human conscience, suggesting a universal...