Single Idea 23174

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

Full Idea

It is evident that the natural law is nothing else than the rational creature's participation of the eternal law.

Gist of Idea

Natural law is a rational creature's participation in eternal law

Source

Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologicae [1265], I-II Q91 2)

Book Reference

Aquinas,Thomas: 'On Law, Morality and Politics', ed/tr. Baumgarth,W. /Regan R. [Hackett 1988], p.20


A Reaction

It is not enough merely that God decrees eternal laws. It is also necessary for us to use reason in order to participate. I'm not sure what reasoning process is involved.