Political Theory

Re: What did St. Thomas Aquinas think about equality?

E. R. Olovetto — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:14:18 GMT

Kenneth:

I am talking about economic equality

By this you mean utopian, socialistic equality or "social justice", correct? This wasn't really around in St. Thomas' time, so I can't imagine what you expect him to say on this. In terms of actual equality under the law, he maintained the right of kings as sovereign and the triumverate ius naturale, ius gentium, and ius civile. At one point Aquinas cites St. Augustine [De Lib. Arb. i. 6] to the effect of "If people have a sense of moderation and responsibility, and are careful guardians of the common welfare, a law allowing such a people to choose their own magistrates is a proper one. With the passage of time, if the people become corrupt, barter their votes, and entrust the government to scoundrels and criminals, then the people rightly forfeit their power to appoint their public officials, and the choice devolves upon a few good men." (Cairns 1949)

Re: What did St. Thomas Aquinas think about equality?

Physiocrat — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:21:58 GMT

Kenneth:

I am talking about economic equality

Thought so. Just thought I'd clear it up.

Re: What did St. Thomas Aquinas think about equality?

Kenneth — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:08:15 GMT

I am talking about economic equality

Re: What did St. Thomas Aquinas think about equality?

Physiocrat — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:43:42 GMT

Kenneth:

quotations would be great!

I don't know much Aquinas although would like to read some. But it depends in what context are you referring to equality? That all men are created in the image of God? That men and women can and should perform all possible roles in the family and outside? That all men should have an equal income stream? Or that no man should have any more power over anyone else?

I assume you're talking about the third but it would help if you were slightly more specific.

What did St. Thomas Aquinas think about equality?

Kenneth — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:36:08 GMT

quotations would be great!