To complete the moral act, it is necessary to have also the objective part, or the conformity of volition to the supreme norm of morality. The eternal law, in so far as it is manifested and recognized by the intelligence, constitutes the natural law. This latter, then, is none other than the eternal law in so far as it is manifested to our conscience. In opposition to Augustinian teaching, which affirmed that society is not natural but is the consequence of original sin, and in conformity with Aristotle, Aquinas discovers the necessity of society by analyzing human nature. Society is necessary for the perfection to which man by his nature has been destined.
Man is hence a political animal.
The first form of society is the family, an imperfect society because it is destined by nature solely for the propagation of the species. Society has for its end the common good, and man does not exist for society, but society exists for man. All Rights Reserved.