Thomas Aquinas's Definition Of Natural Law: Habits

The natural law is the concept of adherence to the soul, powers, habits, and emotions. Aquinas defines natural law as a habit, but when one examines his definition from a different commonplace, the habit will depend on situations, societal rules, beliefs, and norms. Aquinas (1999) expresses that natural laws are embedded in human beings which guide what one does and how it is done. We possess these laws habitually thereby adding that natural law is not an act (Aquinas, 1999, p. 33-34). Though we possess these natural laws habitually but are deterred from using them to act because of inactivity while we are asleep or as in the underage children that are not mature enough to understand the principles. In addition to the powers, habit, and emotions, immoral actions are viewed as the property of the soul to those who chose to act in that …show more content…
“Good” is that first thing that falls into our practical reasoning. The author expresses the precepts of natural laws; the human natural inclination for good which preserves human life, sharing with other such as a sexual union to procreate, to know the truth about God, and to live in harmony with others. Some virtues are embedded in natural law but not all are because some acts are done for the individual’s benefit though nature demands that we all act virtuously. On the other hand, the discovery of the truth about God helps human to grow in faith and live righteously. This truth led to more discovery and a discerning spirit of good and bad. The good is accepted as okay but the bad is labeled as “sinful” when they are contrary to nature depending on societal norms. The author cited an example of homosexuality as sinful because it is contrary to the union of male and female (Aquinas, 1999, p. 38). The more a human incline in faith the more they discover what is right or