The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
Connecting Human Law and Natural Law
November 10, 1998
Though there are differences between human and natural law, there is a connection between the two.
In fact, Aquinas says that human law is actually derived from natural law:
Now in human affairs a thing is said to be just, from being right, according to the rule of reason. But the first rule of reason is the law of nature … Consequently every human law has just so much of the nature of law, as it is derived from the law of nature. (ST I-II, Q. 95, Art. 2)
When considering speed limits, the connection is clear. Our conscience guided by natural law tells us that preservation of life is something good. We know that automobiles are large machines that can be dangerous, so we understand that they must be used with care. A speed limit is a human law governing the speed on a particular street in a particular circumstance.
With regard to other things in the human law, such as legalized abortion, the connection does not exist. Aquinas recognizes that these laws are not derived from natural law: "But if in any point [human law] deflects from the law of nature, it is no longer a law but a perversion of law" (ibid.).
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
