Thomas Aquinas Research Paper
Summa Theologica- Second Part of the Second Part
Maha Masoud
Royal Roads University
Just 303
January 23, 2013
Instructor Robert Aucoin
Table of Contents Introduction 3 Conclusion 5 Reference 6
Introduction
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) wrote about many virtues. In particular he wrote about “temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice” (p 5). He wrote that he believed justice was the highest virtue and explained what justice was and why he believed justice to be the highest virtue.
Aquinas (1225-1274) explained that virtues are behaviours. Virtues, other than justice, are self-serving, focusing only on one aspect of virtuous behavior. Aquinas (1225-1274) believed that justice covered all virtues. Aquinas (1225-1274) explained the virtues other than justice service one’s own self. An example of temperance (self-restraint) is avoiding or controlling alcohol consumption to benefit the self but not others. An example of prudence is looking at a situation in a certain way but another person could look at the situation in a different way (such as slavery during Thomas Aquinas Era). Saint Augustine approved slavery where Saint Thomas was against it. …show more content…
He compares a person that did something without the intent to do so (having actus reus, but not the mens reas). Therefore, he believed that doing something is more important to justice than the meaning or passion to do. He explained that we can always be just and deal correctly with our selves, but dealing with others is something that requires a special virtue. Aquinas (1225-1274) further explained that having feelings towards justice is nothing compared to doing something towards justices. Aquinas (1225-1274) believed that justice was a special virtue that goes beyond feelings into action for the common
Maha Masoud
Royal Roads University
Just 303
January 23, 2013
Instructor Robert Aucoin
Table of Contents Introduction 3 Conclusion 5 Reference 6
Introduction
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) wrote about many virtues. In particular he wrote about “temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice” (p 5). He wrote that he believed justice was the highest virtue and explained what justice was and why he believed justice to be the highest virtue.
Aquinas (1225-1274) explained that virtues are behaviours. Virtues, other than justice, are self-serving, focusing only on one aspect of virtuous behavior. Aquinas (1225-1274) believed that justice covered all virtues. Aquinas (1225-1274) explained the virtues other than justice service one’s own self. An example of temperance (self-restraint) is avoiding or controlling alcohol consumption to benefit the self but not others. An example of prudence is looking at a situation in a certain way but another person could look at the situation in a different way (such as slavery during Thomas Aquinas Era). Saint Augustine approved slavery where Saint Thomas was against it. …show more content…
He compares a person that did something without the intent to do so (having actus reus, but not the mens reas). Therefore, he believed that doing something is more important to justice than the meaning or passion to do. He explained that we can always be just and deal correctly with our selves, but dealing with others is something that requires a special virtue. Aquinas (1225-1274) further explained that having feelings towards justice is nothing compared to doing something towards justices. Aquinas (1225-1274) believed that justice was a special virtue that goes beyond feelings into action for the common