The thought of Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) would certainly defy a summary – a genre he elevated to an art form. Considering that his working life was around 20 years, Thomas’ literary output was astounding in both quantity and quality. He had a thorough grasp of classical philosophy, Christian Scripture, and Christian Theology. He was also well acquainted with important Muslim and Jewish thinkers, while maintaining a deep involvement with the lively theological and philosophical controversies of his day.
While never entirely out of fashion Thomistic Philosophy experienced a substantial renaissance in the 20th century thanks to the likes of Etienne Gilson and Jacques Maritain – and many others.
One of the classical ideas that has had remarkable persistence is virtue. Linked to it with equal persistence is an idea that has come to be known as Natural Law. Aquinas provides a substantial treatment of both. What follows is a review of these ideas hopefully suitable for undergraduates. We start with a little background on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and move to a little look at Thomas. The relevant section of Aquinas’ Summa Theologia begins at I-II Question 49.
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