Ethical Theory of Tomas Aquinas: the Ethics Based on Natural Law

In this paper we examine the ethical theory of Thomas Aquinas which, in fact, is based on natural law. Natural or innate law is a radiation of Divine Providence which is perceived by man's intuition. Aquinas believes that according to the common nature shared by man and other beings, man is naturally inclined towards what is considered to be good. In other words, we are naturally inclined to self protection and other matters like procreation and the training of our children. All these tendencies are regarded as instances of natural law. Man as a sane being can distinguish between his natural tendencies and unnatural ones. According to Aquinas, all instances of natural law originate from an evident rule: what is good is to be done and pursued and what is evil is to be avoided; which is nothing but acting upon our natures and this means to live according to the nature.