Thomas Aquinas
Medieval Catholic theologian who developed classical natural law theory from Aristotelian philosophy.
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Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225 – 7 March 1274) was an Italian Dominican friar and priest whose work as a theologian and philosopher has had a profound and lasting impact on Catholic theology and Western thought. He is the founder of Thomism, a school of thought that encompasses both theology and philosophy. A key figure in natural theology, Aquinas held that God is the source of both natural reason and the light of faith. He integrated many of Aristotle's ideas into Christian doctrine, seeking a synthesis between Aristotelian philosophy and Christian principles. Among his most famous contributions are the Five Ways, arguments for the existence of God; his development of virtue ethics; and his sacramental theology. His influence extends beyond Catholic thought into modern virtue ethics, aesthetics, and cognitive theory. His unfinished masterpiece, the *Summa Theologica* (1265–1274), serves as a comprehensive guide to Catholic theology. Other major works include the *Disputed Questions on Truth* (1256–1259), the *Summa contra Gentiles* (1259–1265), and numerous commentaries on Scripture and Aristotle. He also composed Eucharistic hymns still used in Church liturgy. Widely regarded as the most influential thinker of the medieval period and one of the Church's greatest theologians, he is one of the 38 Doctors of the Church, honored with titles such as Doctor Angelicus, Doctor Communis, and Doctor Humanitatis. Born into the noble d'Aquino family near Aquino, in the Kingdom of Sicily, he was the youngest of nine children. His family intended him for the abbacy of Monte Cassino, but he resolved to join the Dominican Order at age nineteen, leading to a year-long captivity by his family. Despite their efforts, including hiring a prostitute to tempt him, he remained steadfast and eventually escaped to pursue his vocation.
- born
- c. 1225, Roccasecca, Kingdom of Sicily (present-day Lazio, Italy)
- died
- 7 March 1274
- field
- Theology, philosophy
- nationality
- Italian
- known_for
- Five Ways for proving the existence of God, virtue ethics, sacramental theology, Summa Theologica
Lore & Background
The source identifies Thomas Aquinas as the medieval Catholic theologian who interpreted Aristotle in developing classical natural law theory. Aristotelian natural law theory originates in Aristotle's teleological view of nature and ethics, which asserted that what is good for man can be determined, by reason, from the functions of man. Aquinas built upon this foundation. Classical natural law was hugely influential in the medieval development of canon law, international law, and political philosophy, later resulting in the social contract theory as developed by Rousseau and Locke. By the Age of Enlightenment, natural law philosophy had largely fallen out of favor among political and legal philosophers, with major criticisms of Thomist natural law contained in the empiricist, social contractarian, and utilitarian ideals of Hume, Hobbes, and Bentham. Twentieth-century philosophy saw a resurgence of interest in natural law, specifically the new natural law of John Finnis, who offered a reinterpretation of Aristotle and Aquinas.
Reader's Guide
Thomas Aquinas's significance in jurisprudence lies in his development of classical natural law theory. Classical natural law theory is associated with the legal maxim 'lex injustia non est lex' (unjust law is not law), either as a criteria of validity for law (per classical natural law theory) or as relating to theoretical notions of justice and the proper purpose of law (per 'new natural law' theory). Aquinas's work interpreted Aristotle's teleological view of nature and ethics, which held that what is good for man can be determined by reason from the functions of man. Aquinas's classical natural law was hugely influential in medieval canon law, international law, and political philosophy. Contemporary secular jurists continue to invoke naturalist arguments in asserting the existence of legally-recognized human rights, limitations to state power, and the ability of the courts to review the decisions of other bodies of state.
Did You Know?
- Thomas Aquinas interpreted Aristotle in developing classical natural law theory.
- Classical natural law theory is associated with the legal maxim 'lex injustia non est lex' (unjust law is not law).
- Aquinas's natural law philosophy was hugely influential in the medieval development of canon law, international law, and political philosophy.
- Major criticisms of Thomist natural law came from empiricist, social contractarian, and utilitarian thinkers including Hume, Hobbes, and Bentham.
- Twentieth-century philosopher John Finnis offered a reinterpretation of Aristotle and Aquinas known as new natural law.
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