A Comparative Analysis of Cicero and Aquinas: Nature and the Natural Law

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In A Comparative Analysis of Cicero and Aquinas, Charles P. Nemeth investigates how, despite their differences, these two figures may be the most compatible brothers in ideas ever conceived in the theory of natural law. Looking to find common threads that run between the philosophies of these two great thinkers of the Classical and Medieval periods, this book aims to determine whether or not there exists a common ground whereby ethical debates and dilemmas can be evaluated. Does comparison between Cicero and Aquinas offer a new pathway for moral measure, based on defined and developed principles? Do they deliver certain moral and ethical principles for human life to which each agree? Instead of a polemical diatribe, comparison between Cicero and Aquinas may edify a method of compromise and afford a more or less restrictive series of judgments about ethical quandaries. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Dedication Contents Preface Acknowledgments 1 Background and Context: Cicero and Aquinas Introduction The comparative setting Biographical sketch of Cicero Biographical sketch of St. Thomas Aquinas 2 Nature and the Natural Order in Cicero and Aquinas Introduction Nature as truth, science, and the natural order Cicero on nature and the natural order Natural function, natural design, and natural use The natural order Aquinas on nature and the natural order Natural function, natural design, and natural use The natural order Unnatural crimes and the natural order Sodomy Incest Bestiality Comparative conclusion: Cicero and Aquinas; nature and the natural order 3 Cicero and Aquinas: Nature and Reason Nature and reason Cicero on reason Cicero on reason and divine reflection Cicero on reason and virtue Aquinas on reason Aquinas on reason and divine reflection Aquinas on reason and virtue The compatibility of Cicero and Aquinas: Nature, reason, and virtue 4 Cicero and Aquinas on the Natural Law Introduction Cicero on the natural law Cicero: A law of nature or a natural law Natural law as imprint of the Eternal/Divine Law The content of the natural law Seeking the good—avoiding evil Self-preservation Procreation and sexual attraction Family and care of offspring A social, communal life Belief in a deity Aquinas on the natural law Aquinas: A law of nature or a natural law Natural law as eternal/.divine imprint The content of the natural law Seeking the good—.avoiding evil Self-.preservation Procreation and sexual attraction Family and care of offspring A social, communal life Belief in a deity Compatibility on the natural law: Cicero and Aquinas 5 Cicero and Aquinas: Compatibility and Contrast General observations on Cicero and Aquinas: Nature, the natural order, reason, and the natural law Whether Cicero and Aquinas agree on the role of nature and the natural order Whether Cicero and Aquinas see nature and reason as essential to their natural law philosophy Whether the natural law of Cicero and Aquinas are compatible Seeking the good—avoiding evil The dilemma of self-preservation: Abortion and suicide Belief in a deity Procreation and sexual attraction Social-familial-communal existence Conclusion: Implications for natural law reasoning Notes 1 Background and Context: Cicero and Aquinas 2 Nature and the Natural Order in Cicero and Aquinas 3 Cicero and Aquinas: Nature and Reason 4 Cicero and Aquinas on the Natural Law 5 Cicero and Aquinas: Compatibility and Contrast Bibliography Index