Saint Thomas Aquinas believed that an unjust law is not truly a law, but rather an act of violence or coercion. He argued that laws must be based on reason and the common good in order to be considered just. If a law goes against these principles, it is the duty of individuals to resist and work towards changing it.
St. Augustine is often attributed with the quote "An unjust law is no law at all." However, this idea is more commonly associated with Thomas Aquinas and is often cited in discussions about civil disobedience and the legitimacy of laws.
St. Thomas Aquinas defined law as an ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by one who has care of the community. He believed that laws are necessary for maintaining order and promoting justice in society.
According to Thomas Aquinas, the four types of laws are eternal law (divine reason governing the universe), natural law (moral principles inherent in human nature), human law (civil laws created by governments), and divine law (revealed through religious texts).
Just laws are fair and promote justice and equality, while unjust laws are discriminatory and create inequalities. Just laws are based on ethical principles and protect the rights of all individuals, whereas unjust laws violate fundamental rights and harm certain groups or individuals. Ultimately, just laws contribute to a just society where everyone is treated with dignity and fairness.
According to John Finnis, an unjust law is a law that does not align with the basic principles of justice and morality. In his view, unjust laws violate human rights, fail to promote the common good, or undermine the inherent dignity of individuals. Finnis argues that individuals have a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws and work towards their reform or abolition.
St. Augustine is often attributed with the quote "An unjust law is no law at all." However, this idea is more commonly associated with Thomas Aquinas and is often cited in discussions about civil disobedience and the legitimacy of laws.
St. Thomas Aquinas defined law as an ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by one who has care of the community. He believed that laws are necessary for maintaining order and promoting justice in society.
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas wrote about the nature and role of government in his work "Summa Theologica." He believed that government exists to promote the common good and maintain order in society through just laws. Aquinas argued that rulers derive their authority from God and must govern with wisdom and justice.
According to Thomas Aquinas, the four types of laws are eternal law (divine reason governing the universe), natural law (moral principles inherent in human nature), human law (civil laws created by governments), and divine law (revealed through religious texts).
Just and unjust laws : According to Dr . Martin Luther King Jr . . . . Should it not be so that a judge decides what laws are just and what laws are unjust
Not having read Saint Thomas ( not to be confused with the Biblical and so-called (Doubting) Thomas in the Low Sunday gospel ( actually, in modern English, Doubtful Thomas would sound better. Saint Thomas Aquinas was a renowned theologian and Philosopher- of the Summa Theologica fame ( Sum total of all Theology_-clearly a multi-year master work. St. Thomas Aquinas did make the statement he believed the ensoulment of the Human Embryo took 40 days for a Male, and 80 days for a female- This formed the basis of one of his codified questions. Apart from the fact a Woman"s body bears the child and as such is more complicated than the Male- I do not know where he derived these figures. Do Study Saint Thomas! He should be available in Paperback in some books stores- well worth the time.Roman Catholic AnswerThe Angelic Doctor which is the church's name for Saint Thomas Aquinas, was the theologian of the Church. He was also a mystic and great saint. He composed several Masses and hymns, many of which are familiar to Catholics from Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. I was in the seminary for five years and for four years in Philosophy and one year of Theology studied St. Thomas' thought. There is no way he ever would have said anything regarding disregarding Church law, for the simple reason that Church laws are God's laws, and thus there can never be such a situation as you describe: church law interfering with your relationship with God. Church law is law given BY GOD to have a relationship with Him. This is the reason we studied "church law" to learn "God's law".
-identifies unjust laws. -speaks against unjust laws. -willing to accept the consequences of his or her actions.
Examples of natural law according to Thomas Aquinas include the preservation of life, procreation, seeking knowledge, living in society, and worshiping the divine. These principles are believed to be inherent in human nature and provide a foundation for moral reasoning and ethical behavior. Aquinas argued that following these natural laws leads to the fulfillment of human potential and the attainment of true happiness.
unjust laws means laws that are not just,unfair,cruel or bad laws.The existence of law is a must , but it also must be just and humane,man made law,should never turn into bad laws,inglorious or unjust law.when and where law turn glorious or bad.
Civil disobedience
King defines two types of laws: just laws and unjust laws. Just laws align with moral law or the law of God, promoting fairness and equality, while unjust laws are out of harmony with moral law, often degrading human personality and perpetuating inequality. He emphasizes that individuals have a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws in order to uphold justice and righteousness.