How do the views of Augustine and Karl Barth contrast with those of Aquinas regarding Natural Law?
Understand the Problem
The question asks for a comparison of the views of Augustine and Karl Barth with those of Aquinas regarding Natural Law. It requires understanding the nuances of each philosopher's perspective on natural law, human reason, and divine revelation, particularly contrasting Augustine and Barth's views with Aquinas's.
Answer
Aquinas saw natural law as accessible through reason, Augustine tied virtues to God, and Barth questioned natural theology.
Augustine, Aquinas, and Barth have differing views on natural law. Aquinas believed in natural law as a moral approach accessible to all through reason. Augustine viewed virtues as vices if they did not relate to God. Barth questioned natural theology's legitimacy, emphasizing God's revelation over human reason.
Answer for screen readers
Augustine, Aquinas, and Barth have differing views on natural law. Aquinas believed in natural law as a moral approach accessible to all through reason. Augustine viewed virtues as vices if they did not relate to God. Barth questioned natural theology's legitimacy, emphasizing God's revelation over human reason.
More Information
Thomas Aquinas believed that natural law is derived from eternal law and is discoverable through reason. Augustine emphasized the importance of divine grace and viewed morality as fundamentally tied to one's relationship with God. Karl Barth was critical of natural theology, emphasizing the primacy of divine revelation.
Tips
It is easy to confuse the nuances of each philosopher's view. Focus on Aquinas's emphasis on reason, Augustine's on divine grace, and Barth's on divine revelation to differentiate their perspectives.
Sources
- Thomas Aquinas and Karl Barth on the Christian life - cambridge.org
- Natural Law - A Review Essay - christianscholars.com
- [PDF] DIVINE-C03VIMAND, NATURAL-LAW, AND MUTUAL-LOVE ETHICS - theologicalstudies.net
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