Aquinas believed natural law, derived from God's eternal law, should guide human behavior and governance. He argued that just rulers must create laws aligned with natural law to promote the common good and avoid tyranny.

Aquinas emphasized the importance of virtues in governance, particularly prudence. He advocated for mixed government to prevent abuse of power and believed war could be justified if it met specific criteria for protecting the common good.

Natural Law and Types of Law

Natural Law and Eternal Law

• Natural law consists of the rational principles that govern human behavior and are discoverable through reason alone
• Natural law is derived from eternal law, which is God's perfect plan for the universe
• Eternal law encompasses the laws of nature and the moral laws that govern human behavior
• All other forms of law, including human law, must be based on and conform to natural law to be considered valid

Divine Law and Human Law

• Divine law is revealed through scripture and serves to help humans better understand and follow natural law
• Human law is created by human authorities and must conform to natural law to be considered just
• Human laws that violate natural law are unjust and not morally binding
• Rulers have a responsibility to create and enforce human laws that promote the common good and align with natural law

Just Governance and the Common Good

The Common Good and Just War

• The primary purpose of government is to promote the common good, which includes the well-being of all members of society
• Rulers must prioritize the common good over individual or private interests when making decisions
• War can be justified when it is necessary to protect the common good and restore peace (just war theory)
• For a war to be considered just, it must meet several criteria, including being declared by a legitimate authority, having a just cause, and being a last resort

Tyranny and Mixed Government

• Tyranny occurs when a ruler governs for their own benefit rather than the common good
• Tyrants often use force and fear to maintain power and disregard natural law and the well-being of their subjects
• Mixed government, which combines elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, is the best form of government for promoting the common good
• Mixed government helps prevent tyranny by distributing power and allowing for checks and balances between different branches of government

Virtues in Governance

Prudence and the Cardinal Virtues

• Prudence is the most important virtue for rulers, as it enables them to make wise decisions that promote the common good
• Prudence involves carefully considering the consequences of actions and choosing the best course of action based on reason and moral principles
• The cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance are essential for effective and just governance
• Rulers who possess and cultivate these virtues are better equipped to create and enforce just laws, protect the common good, and avoid the pitfalls of tyranny