Aquinas Paper Topics for Students

Aquinas Paper Topics for StudentsA broad selection of Aquinas paper topics, ranging from the historical origins of science to the introduction of scientific inquiry, are available for use in graduate programs of philosophy or theology. Aquinas' natural law and Aquinas' ethical theory are topics that are often considered to be central to this unique blend of philosophy and theology.Aquinas is regarded as the first philosopher to unite philosophy and theology. He is believed to have made a substantial contribution to the growing idea that the two disciplines could be used for the betterment of all mankind. His religious and political thought and his ethics have endured and became increasingly influential throughout the centuries, but still attract a significant following of students today.Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others appreciate the theological and philosophical contributions Aquinas made. One might think that many would not agree with his most controversial views, but instead his understanding of God's will and behavior has paved the way for a more humane, loving relationship between humankind and God. One reason why some people love Aquinas so much is because he showed them that God did not need to interfere in human affairs, or ignore their suffering, like the atheist would suggest.Aquinas' interest in the natural world led him to develop his natural law. His natural law theory was aimed at explaining the nature of morality and the moral behavior of humankind. He believed that morality could be based on the actual behavior of humans in relation to nature, and the natural world in general. It was an idea that has remained useful and relevant for the majority of the past four thousand years.One of the advantages of Aquinas' natural law theory is the contrast between Christianity and its atheists. Aquinas pointed out that both Christianity and Judaism claimed to be on the right path, but in reality were as corrupt as the other. For example, the Jewish scr iptures taught higher God whilethe Christian scriptures taught a lower God. In a similar vein, although they believed in God, Christians believed in the freedom of man to do as he chose, while the Jewish scriptures commanded obedience to God.A famous example of Aquinas' concern for the freedom of humanity is his belief that all human beings should be permitted to worship, or begrudge, whatever God they wished. Aquinas explained that man's will have no rights. On the contrary, human beings are able to acquire rights, which meant that man should be allowed to worship according to the faith and rituals that he believed in. Aquinas believed that it was permissible for a pagan to convert to Christianity, but a pagan who converted to Christianity should not be forced to follow the Christian religion.Aquinas' natural law theory was a tremendously successful system of philosophy, but did have some drawbacks. He also believed that man needed to exercise his free will and self-discipline to p rotect himself from falling into sinful indulgences. With regard to this, he wrote that if he was tempted to fall into forbidden pleasures, he should make a choice that would lead him to God and away from temptation.The strength of Aquinas' natural law theory is its logical coherence and consistency with other philosophical principles. Despite its weaknesses, his philosophy is still a valuable cornerstone for the study of religion and ethics. It can still be used today in undergraduate and graduate level courses, not only for philosophy majors but for any student who are interested in furthering their understanding of faith, ethics, and philosophy.