The Significance of Natural Law in Aquinas' Political Theory Free Essay Example

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Natural Law and Divine Providence

At the heart of Aquinas' political theory lies the concept of natural law, which serves as a foundational pillar for understanding the interplay between human actions and God's divine providence. Aquinas posits that the purpose of humanity is predetermined by God through divine providence, and political institutions exist to facilitate the realization of this purpose (Watkins, 2013, p.

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8-11). Natural law, in this context, emanates from divine providence and provides a framework for human rationality to make morally sound decisions.

Aquinas' view of divine providence finds its connection with natural law through his concept of eternal law, which asserts that God is the creator of all and orchestrates the universe with rational order (Bradley, 1997, p. 134-135). Natural law, as derived from eternal law, grants human beings a unique status among all creatures. Unlike non-rational animals that operate purely on instinct, humans possess rationality, which empowers them to make choices and decisions.

This rational agency is pivotal, as it enables individuals to exercise their free will in accordance with their ultimate purpose, which, for Aquinas, is to seek knowledge of God.

Actions guided by natural law are those that lead to outcomes beneficial for both individuals and society, aligning with God's grand design. Consequently, the concept of natural law underscores the importance of moral and rational conduct, fostering a harmonious coexistence with divine providence.

Positive and Negative Attributes of Human Action

Within Aquinas' political theory, the concept of natural law plays a pivotal role in assessing the moral dimensions of human actions. Aquinas argues that human actions are inherently bound by the moral framework established by natural law. Actions that align with this framework are considered virtuous and contribute to the common good of society (Aquinas, 1920).

However, the question arises: What happens when individuals or groups within society possess advantages or power that may be misused? How does Aquinas' concept of natural law address this potential discrepancy? Natural law, in this context, serves as a measure against which the legitimacy of human-made laws is evaluated. Bradley (1975) asserts that Aquinas deemed laws deviating significantly from natural law as "perversions of law." In essence, natural law provides not only a blueprint for the construction of just political systems but also a critical yardstick for assessing the fairness and righteousness of enacted laws.

Aquinas' conception of "good" as outlined in his work is central to this evaluation. His fundamental axiom that "Good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided" (Aquinas, 1988, p. 49) lays the foundation for understanding the moral underpinnings of human behavior. The idea of "good" encompasses not only refraining from physical harm but also actively engaging in intellectual pursuits, such as prudence, art, science, as well as fostering virtues like justice and courage. These principles of "good" promoted through natural law establish the groundwork for a functioning and morally upright society.

Furthermore, Aquinas' political theory posits that rulers should govern not for personal gain or the empowerment of the ruling class but for the benefit of those they govern. This concept of natural rights, underpinned by natural law, challenges the traditional power dynamics of feudalism and asserts that just laws are those in harmony with natural law, ensuring that governance serves the greater good of society.

The Ambiguity of the Concept of Good

While Aquinas' conception of "good" is integral to his political theory, it does raise questions regarding the concrete and universally applicable nature of this concept. The lack of verifiable proof for the notion of "good" suggests that it may exist as one interpretation among many. Kelsen (2000) argues that natural law implies a full understanding of resolving social issues through an examination of human nature and society itself. However, the benevolent intent of God becomes a concern within the framework of natural law. The reliance on faith-based beliefs to interpret natural inclinations can introduce ambiguity into the concept of natural law. Moreover, it challenges the notion of whether humans possess the capacity to determine what is "good" and how to align their actions with it.

Another issue pertains to the verification of natural law. Natural law operates as a system of moral guidelines that lack tangible attributes and depend on constructs rather than empirical evidence. Consequently, it requires acceptance of a higher power's intentions without empirical verification. This reliance on faith-based beliefs underscores the pivotal role of faith within Aquinas' political theory but raises questions about the objective verifiability of natural law principles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, natural law serves as a cornerstone in Aquinas' political theory, providing a framework for reconciling human free will with divine providence. It addresses the positive and negative aspects of human actions and serves as a measure for assessing the moral validity of human-made laws. However, it also introduces complexities related to the concept of "good" and the verifiability of natural law principles. Aquinas' political theory seeks to transform governance from a system based on power and force to one rooted in justice and moral principles. Nevertheless, the ambiguity surrounding the concept of "good" and the faith-based nature of natural law principles raise questions about their universality and objective validity. Despite these challenges, Aquinas' enduring influence on political theory continues to inspire scholars and thinkers to explore the intricate relationship between human governance and divine order.