Jaarboek Thomas Instituut 1997 - Thomas Instituut te Utrecht

THOMAS' WETSBEGRIP 83
SUMMARY
Among jurisprudents ST I-II, qq.90-97 is regarded as a classic. One of
the most famous definitions of law can be found in ST I-II, q.90,
a.4c.: "A law is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason, for
the common good, laid down by whoever has the care of the
community, and promulgated." In this article it is argued that in ST I­
II, q.90 Thomas adopts the Aristotelian methodology of explanation
known as the doctrine of the four causes. It is also argued that the
definition of law is applied analogically at different levels. In this way
Thomas is able to make essential and causal assertions about God.
However, the theological use of the definition of law is by no means
exclusive. An inventory is made of the various \l/ays in which Thomas
makes use of his famous definition.