Single Idea 22113

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / c. Natural law]

Full Idea

All things to be done or to be avoided pertain to the precepts of natural law, which practical reasoning apprehends naturally as being human goods.

Gist of Idea

Right and wrong actions pertain to natural law, as perceived by practical reason

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologicae [1265], Ia IIae.Q94.2c), quoted by Kretzmann/Stump - Aquinas, Thomas 13

Book Reference

'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Craig,Edward [Routledge 2005], p.44


A Reaction

No mention of God, but you feel the divine presence in the background. He also cites 'eternal law'. No coincidence that the atheist Hobbes rejected natural law. Personally I would offer an atheistic defence of natural law, based on human nature.