The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
So, Then Why All The Fuss?
October 31, 1998
If there is only one Natural Law and truth is not subjective, why is it we have two distinct sides in the abortion debate, both claiming to be acting in good conscience?
This question becomes more complex when we read Aquinas’ theory that "the law which is written in men’s hearts is the Natural Law. Therefore the Natural Law cannot be blotted out" (ST I-II, Q. 94, Art. 6).
How can this be if so many are convinced that the murder of the unborn is morally acceptable? Aquinas offers us an explanation.
The most basic principles of Natural Law are known by all. An example would be "good is to be done and evil avoided," which is the first precept of Natural Law.
However, when we decide on particular actions, we draw conclusions from these first principles of Natural Law. It is in this process of drawing conclusions that corruption of the Natural Law occurs. Corruption occurs when reason is abandoned:
"[Natural Law] is blotted out in the case of a particular action, in so far as reason is hindered from applying the common principle to the particular action because of concupiscence or some other passion" (ibid.).
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
