The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
Freedom of Choice in the Soul
August 13, 1998
It seems rather obvious that we decide upon our course of actions with our mind. In actuality, our choice of actions is a little more complex.
Aristotle spoke of three parts of the soul: emotive, appetitive, rational. If our actions were decided completely by our reason, it would be simple to always do what is morally correct.
However, appetites and emotions obviously play some role in our actions. It must be emphasized that emotions and appetites are seldom guided by what is morally correct.
Aquinas emphasized the role of the intellectual substance, the soul, in making choices: "The intellect does not act or desire without forming a judgement, as lifeless beings do, nor is the judgement of the intellect the product of natural impulse, as in brutes, but results from a true apprehension of the object" (Compendium of Theology Ch. 76).
The intellect determines the end sought, the means necessary to achieve the end, and the circumstances of the means and end. From that, the intellect decides the course of action.
From time to time, appetites and emotions are given more reign over our soul than is appropriate. This disordered soul, as Aristotle called it, often is the cause of sin.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
