Political Philosophy and Human Nature in Thomas Aquinas

This essay has a proximate and an ultimate aim. Its proximate aim is to undertake an analysis of Thomas Aquinas’ philosophy of law in the Summa theologiae . 1 Its ultimate aim is to discern what may be described, albeit arguably, as Aquinas’ political philosophy and its presupposed understanding of human nature. An undertaking such as this must take into account two sets of possible objections. In concrete terms, one is obliged to admit that, for at least two reasons, if there were to be recitation of a litany of political philosophers, the name of Thomas Aquinas would most probably not feature. Taking into account and responding to two sets of objections to Thomas Aquinas’ credentials as political philosopher, the essay examines his political philosophy, its presupposed understanding of human nature, and its portrayal in his philosophy of law. Analysing the defining features of law in Aquinas places before the reader features of human nature, namely, rationality, relationality and religiosity. These traits enable one to find responses to what Charles Taylor has identified as “three malaises” of contemporary society and culture, namely, individualism, instrumental reason, and the political consequences of both.