The Political Ideas of St. Thomas Aquinas
             The Political Ideas of St. Thomas Aquinas brings together some of St. Thomas greatest works. Although St. Thomas lived less than fifty years, he will live on forever in his writings. Throughout his life he wrote more than sixty pieces of literature. Some pieces where longer than others, while other pieces where much shorter. However, because of one piece of work, St. Thomas will be eternal. This was the Summa of Theologica.
             St. Thomas Aquinas starts the First part of the Second of the Summa of Theologica by discussing the Essence of Law. He does this by trying to determine whether or not law pertains to reason. At first glance he says that law does not pertain to reason for several reasons. First he says that the Apostle said "I see another law in my members." However, there is nothing pertaining to reason in the body, and that reason is not the use of bodily organs. Aquinas also discusses facts such that when a person is sleeping, reason ceases. However, when you are sleeping laws are still in tact. So therefore laws can not be pertaining to reason. St. Thomas also states that laws pertain to will not to reason.
             However, Aquinas then goes back to reply on his objections. He then says that law is in reason alone. He also says that law is in all those things that are inclined to do something by reason of some law. St. Thomas Aquinas continues this throughout his writings. He states a fact of objection then goes back to reply to it. According to St. Thomas Aquinas law is directed to some particular good. However, law is not only directed to the good of all, but also to the private good of the individual. Implying that law does pertain to reason. This is because individuals have a will to do what is best for them. So laws can be based on will. However, man has to look past his own individual will and realize what is best for not only for him, but for the g...