The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
Freedom of Choice and Moral Philosophy
August 14, 1998
Free will and the freedom to choose our actions is the basis for any moral philosophy, so it is particularly important that Aquinas believes intellectual substances – i.e. our souls – have freedom of choice.
The three parts of the soul – appetitive, emotive, and reason – work together within us to make decisions. Aristotle, who defined the three parts of the soul, believed that correct actions could only chosen if one had an ordered soul, a soul where reason was not ruled by emotions or appetites.
Aquinas went further to explain that natural law is inherently known in humans. However, one’s soul must be ordered correctly in order to obey it. Think about when sin most occurs. It usually is because an individual does not control emotions or appetites to fulfill those rather than acting according to what is good.
The freedom to choose actions is governed by reason. It is reason that sets us apart from the animals.
If we had no free will or freedom of choice, all moral philosophies would be useless. There would be no need for law for everyone would behave according only to appetites and emotions.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
