Philosophy 499
Study questions: Aquinas, "Treatise on Law" (in Summa Theologica)
Note: In reading the "Treatise on Law" (Q. 90-97), concentrate mainly
on the following:
--Question 90 (all articles)
--Q. 91, Articles 1-3
--Q. 92 (all articles)
--Q. 93 (Articles 2, 3, 6)
--Q. 94 (Articles 2-6)
--Q. 95 (Articles, 1, 2)
--Q. 96 (all articles)
--Q. 97 (all articles)
1. Aquinas refers to "eternal", "natural", and "human" law. What
are these three distinct
types of law? How do they differ?
2. What do you take to be the most important (or interesting) claims
Aquinas makes
regarding "natural law"? How
does he defend these claims? Is his defense adequate,
or will there be problems?
3. What are the most important (or interesting) claims Aquinas makes
regarding "human
law"? How does he defend them?
Problems with his defense?
4. Aquinas is considered to be one of the most famous defenders of
a "natural law" theory
(see Bix). What claims does he defend here
that most encourage that interpretation.
(Given what you've read, why is his theory a "natural
law" theory?)