The Concept Of Law And Its Divisions According To St. Thomas Aquinas, With Special Reference To The Natural Law

Abstract

That there is a pressing need for a true and definite code of ethics is one of the most patent facts of our day. Even a superficial glimpse at man's most important relations--those dealing with God, with other men, whether viewed as individuals or considered collectively--bears out this pressing need. In the filed of politics we see that the nations of the world are at disagreement on the basic purpose of the state: Is the state for the individual, or is the individual for the state? Scholastic philosophy, and specifically Thomistic philosophy, offers a real solution to this very significant question--a solution based on the very nature of man.That there is a pressing need for a true and definite code of ethics is one of the most patent facts of our day. Even a superficial glimpse at man's most important relations--those dealing with God, with other men, whether viewed as individuals or considered collectively--bears out this pressing need. In the filed of politics we see that the nations of the world are at disagreement on the basic purpose of the state: Is the state for the individual, or is the individual for the state? Scholastic philosophy, and specifically Thomistic philosophy, offers a real solution to this very significant question--a solution based on the very nature of man.