What is the Law?

- Law is not something pertaining to a reason

- In the reason there is nothing else but power, habit, and act. But law itself is not the
power of reason.
- The law moves those who are subject to it to act right. But it belongs properly to the will
to move to act. Therefore the law pertains not to the reason, but to the will.

- Law is a rule and measure of acts, whereby man is induced to act or is restrained from
acting: for “lex” is derived from “ligare” [to bind], because it binds one to act.
- A law regards and foremost the order to the common good
What is Eternal Law?
What is Divine Law?
What is Human Law?

QUESTIONS:
1. What is the eternal law?

Eternal Law refers to the divine, unchanging order that governs the entire universe;

Divine Order/Law: Eternal law is seen as the divine or cosmic order established by a higher
power, often identified as God. It is considered timeless and unchanging, reflecting the ultimate
plan or design for the universe

Universal Principles : The eternal law is thought to encompass universal principles that govern
the behavior of all things in existence. It is the foundation source of order, harmony, and purpose
in the universe.

Beyond Human Comprehension: Eternal law is often perceived as beyond human

comprehension in its entirety. While humans may strive to understand and align themselves with
these principles, the full scope of eternal law is considered transcendent and incomprehensible
from a finite human perspective.

Foundation for Natural Law and Divine Law : In natural law theory, it is believed that natural
law is derived from eternal law. Natural law represents the reflection of eternal law in the natural
world and in human reason. Divine law, on the other hand is often seen as specific revelation or
manifestation of eternal law through religious teachings

Eternal law is the highest and most fundamental level of cosmic order, believed to be
established by a divine power. It serves as the foundation for moral principles, natural law, and
the divine law in various philosophical and theological traditions.

2. Is it known to all?
 In the Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas, the concept of eternal law is discussed in
the context of natural law and divine law. According to Aquinas, eternal law is the divine reason
or wisdom that governs the entire universe. It is God’s plan for the order and purpose of all
things.
Aquinas makes a distinction between eternal law, which is in the mind of God, and
Natural law, which is the participation in eternal law by rational creatures. Natural law, according
to Aquinas, is knowable to all human beings through reason.
However, the complete and comprehensive knowledge of eternal law, as it exists in the
mind of God, is not accessible to human beings in their entirety. Aquinas acknowledges that
certain aspects of eternal law may be beyond human comprehension, and our understanding is
limited to what can be known through reason and revelation.

So, while the principles of natural law is derived from the eternal law are knowable to all
through reason, the complete and exhaustive knowledge of eternal law, as it exists in the divine
mind, is not within human reach.

3.) Is every law is derived from it?

According to Thomas Aquinas and his philosophical framework, particularly as outlined

in the "Summa Theologica," the idea is that all laws are derived in some way from eternal law. a.

Eternal Law as the Ultimate Source: Eternal law is considered the ultimate and divine source
of order and purpose in the universe. It is the divine reason or wisdom in the mind of God that
governs all things.

Derivation to Natural Law: Natural law, according to Aquinas, is derived from eternal law.
Natural law represents the principles of moral order inherent in the natural world and accessible
to human reason. It is considered a participation in eternal law by rational creatures.

Derivation to Human Law: Human law, in turn, is seen as derived from natural law. Human
laws are the positive laws created by societies to govern human behavior. These laws are
considered just and valid to the extent that they align with the principles of natural law, which
itself is derived from eternal law.

So, in this philosophical framework, there is a hierarchical relationship: eternal law as the
highest, natural law as derived from it, and human law as derived from natural law. The idea is
that for a law to be truly just and in accordance with divine order, it should reflect the principles
inherent in eternal law and, by extension, natural law.

4. Are necessary things subjected to the eternal law?

Aquinas argues that all things, including necessary things, are subjected to eternal law.
Eternal Law as Governing All Things: According to Aquinas, eternal law is the divine reason
or wisdom in the mind of God that governs the entire universe. It is the ultimate source of order
and purpose.

All Things Subject to Divine Providence: Aquinas asserts that all things, including necessary
things, are subject to divine providence, which is an expression of eternal law. Divine
providence is the governance and guidance of God over all creation.

Inclinations Derived from Eternal Law: Necessary things, like all other things, partake in the
eternal law in the sense that they derive their inclinations and order from it. The idea is that the
order and purpose inherent in necessary things are a reflection of the eternal law.

In summary, according to Aquinas, necessary things, along with everything else in the universe,
are subject to the eternal law because they derive their inclinations and order from this divine
and unchanging plan that governs the entire cosmos.

5. Are natural contingencies subject to the eternal law?

Yes, according to the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, as outlined in the "Summa

Theologica," natural contingencies are considered to be subject to the eternal law.

Eternal Law as the Divine Order: Aquinas conceptualizes eternal law as the divine order or
reason in the mind of God. It is the overarching plan that governs the entire cosmos, providing
purpose and direction to all things.

All-Encompassing Governance: According to Aquinas, the scope of the eternal law is vast
and all-encompassing. It doesn't exclude elements in the natural world that are contingent or
subject to change. Instead, it extends its governance to everything, including natural
contingencies.

Divine Providence: Aquinas connects the idea of divine providence to eternal law. Divine
providence is the guidance and governance of God over all creation. This includes not only
necessary and unchanging elements but also contingencies in the natural world.

Derivation of Inclinations: All things, including natural contingencies, are believed to derive
their inclinations and order from the eternal law. In other words, the way natural contingencies
behave or unfold is seen as part of the divine plan, reflecting the principles inherent in the
eternal law.

Harmony in the Natural Order: The belief is that even in the midst of contingencies and
changes in the natural world, there is a harmony and order that aligns with the eternal law.
Despite the variability and unpredictability of contingent events, they are still considered to be
within the framework of a divine order.
Reflection of Divine Wisdom: Natural contingencies, as part of the broader natural order, are
seen as reflecting the divine wisdom encapsulated in the eternal law. Even in their contingency,
they contribute to the overall purpose and order established by the divine plan.

In essence, Aquinas's philosophy asserts that the eternal law is not limited to governing only
what is necessary and unchanging but extends its influence over the entire spectrum of
existence, including natural contingencies. It's a perspective that sees divine wisdom and order
present even in the midst of change and unpredictability in the natural world.

6. Are all human things subject to it?

Yes, according to the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas as outlined in the "Summa Theologica," all
human things are considered to be subject to the eternal law.

Eternal Law as Divine Reason: Aquinas defines eternal law as the divine reason or wisdom in
the mind of God. It is the ultimate and unchanging source of order that governs the entire
universe.

Human Things Subject to Divine Providence: Aquinas asserts that all things, including
human affairs, are subject to divine providence. Divine providence is seen as the expression of
the eternal law in the governance and guidance of God over all creation.

Derivation of Inclinations for Human Acts: Human things, particularly human actions and
choices, are believed to derive their inclinations and order from the eternal law. This means that
the moral principles guiding human behavior are reflections of the divine order established by
the eternal law.

Participation in Eternal Law through Natural Law: Aquinas introduces the concept of natural
law, which is considered to be a participation in eternal law by rational creatures, including
humans. Natural law is the set of moral principles that can be known through reason and is
inherent in the nature of rational beings.

Conformity to Divine Wisdom: Human things, when aligned with the moral principles derived
from natural law, are seen as conforming to the divine wisdom encapsulated in the eternal law.
This includes ethical conduct, justice, and actions that contribute to the common good.

In summary, Aquinas's philosophy holds that the eternal law governs not only the natural order
and contingencies but also human affairs and actions. The moral principles derived from the
eternal law are considered applicable to human behavior, guiding individuals toward actions that
are in harmony with the divine order.