St.

Thomas Aquinas, a medieval theologian, and philosopher had a significant impact on the
development of both legal and economic theory. His views on law and economics are closely
interrelated and reflect his belief in the importance of natural law and moral principles in guiding
human behavior.
Aquinas believed that law is a rational order that directs human actions towards the common good.
According to his theory, there are four types of law: eternal law (God's divine plan), natural law
(moral principles derived from nature), human law (laws created by human beings), and divine law
(laws revealed in scripture). For Aquinas, human law must be grounded in natural law and should
reflect the moral principles that promote the common good.
In terms of economics, Aquinas believed in the importance of private property and the free exchange
of goods and services. He argued that private property is necessary for human flourishing and that
individuals have a right to own property and use it for their own benefit. However, he also believed
that the accumulation of wealth should not be pursued at the expense of others and that economic
activity should be guided by principles of justice and fairness.
The implications of Aquinas's theory of law and economics are significant. His emphasis on natural
law and moral principles provides a framework for ethical decision-making in both legal and
economic contexts.
His emphasis on private property and free exchange aligns with many modern theories of
capitalism, while his emphasis on justice and fairness provides a counterbalance to unfettered
capitalism and calls for government intervention in cases of market failure. Overall, Aquinas's
theory of law and economics emphasizes the importance of balancing individual rights and
freedoms with the needs of society.
Aquinas's theories of law and economics were developed within the context of medieval Christian
thought, which placed great emphasis on the role of natural law and moral principles in guiding
human behavior. His ideas were influenced by the works of Aristotle, whom Aquinas believed had
provided a framework for understanding the natural world and human behavior.
Overall, your final paper should demonstrate a deep understanding of St. Thomas Aquinas's theory
of law and economics, as well as its relevance for contemporary legal and economic theory. You
should draw on primary sources and secondary literature to support your arguments and provide a
critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of Aquinas's ideas.

Break his Law Theory and Economic Theory, see here economic theory fits in private property and

To build up more on St. Thomas Aquinas's theory of law and economics and its implications, you
could consider the following:
Natural Law: Aquinas believed that natural law is a set of universal moral principles that can be
discovered through reason and observation of the natural world. This concept has had a profound
impact on legal theory, as it provides a foundation for moral and ethical principles in lawmaking.
Human Law: According to Aquinas, human laws should be grounded in natural law and should be
aimed at promoting the common good. This means that laws should be fair, just, and equitable, and
should protect individual rights while also ensuring the welfare of society.
Private Property: Aquinas believed that private property is a natural right that arises from the need
for individuals to have control over the resources necessary for their survival and flourishing. This has
been a foundational principle of modern capitalism, but it also raises questions about wealth
inequality and the concentration of power.
Free Exchange: Aquinas believed that the free exchange of goods and services is a necessary
condition for economic growth and development. However, he also believed that economic activity
should be guided by principles of justice and fairness to prevent exploitation and inequality.
Implications: The implications of Aquinas's theory of law and economics are significant, as they
provide a framework for ethical decision-making in both legal and economic contexts. For example,
his emphasis on natural law provides a foundation for human rights and social justice, while his
emphasis on private property and free exchange aligns with many modern theories of capitalism.
Overall, building on St. Thomas Aquinas's theory of law and economics involves exploring the
implications of his ideas for contemporary legal and economic systems. This requires an
understanding of the historical context in which his theories developed, as well as an awareness of
contemporary debates surrounding issues such as property rights, economic inequality, and the role
of government in regulating markets.
St. Thomas Aquinas lived during the 13th century; a period known as the High Middle Ages. This was
a time of great intellectual and cultural ferment in Western Europe, marked by the growth of
universities and the rediscovery of classical Greek and Roman texts.
Aquinas was born in Italy in 1225 and was educated at the University of Naples. He later joined the
Dominican Order, a religious order dedicated to preaching and teaching. Aquinas studied theology,
philosophy, and law, and became one of the most influential thinkers of his time.

Aquinas's theories of law and economics were developed in the context of a rapidly changing society.
During his lifetime, Europe was experiencing significant political and economic transformation,
marked by the rise of nation-states, the growth of trade and commerce, and the emergence of a
money economy.

Aquinas's ideas about law and economics were aimed at reconciling the new economic and social
realities of his time with the moral principles of Christianity. He sought to provide a framework for
ethical decision-making that would promote the common good and ensure that economic activity
was guided by principles of justice and fairness.

To make sense of St. Thomas Aquinas's theory of law and economics for your final paper, you could
consider the following:
Historical Context: Begin by providing a brief historical context for the period in which Aquinas lived.
This should include information about the social, political, and economic changes taking place in
Europe during the High Middle Ages.

Aquinas's Life and Work: Provide an overview of Aquinas's life and intellectual contributions. This
should include information about his education, his membership in the Dominican Order, and his
major works.

Theory of Law: Explain Aquinas's theory of law, including his distinction between eternal law, natural
law, human law, and divine law. Discuss the role of natural law in guiding human behavior and the
implications of this for contemporary legal theory.
Theory of Economics: Discuss Aquinas's theory of economics, including his emphasis on private
property and the free exchange of goods and services. Discuss how his ideas align with
contemporary economic theory and the implications of his ideas for economic policy.

Implications: Finally, discuss the implications of Aquinas's theory of law and economics for
contemporary society. This should include a discussion of how his ideas could inform policy decisions
and provide a framework for ethical decision-making in both legal and economic contexts.