This article puts forward an analysis of the questions Thomas Aquinas devoted to the theme of respect in the Summa Theologiae. First, we study the questions about the virtues which teach us to render to God and to men their due worship and honor. In question here are five virtues: religio, pietas, observantia, dulia and oboedientia, analyzed by Thomas within the questions dedicated to justice, as virtues allied to it. We show how the exercise of these virtues takes place within a hierarchical order where respect for God legitimizes respect for princes in civil life, military commanders in combat, and teachers in school. At the same time, we show as well how the idea of different forms of excellence promotes an ever wider circulation of respect capable of achieving a universal and mutual dissemination of respect among men, according to what is written in Philippians 2: 3: "Let everyone in all humility regard others as superior to themselves". We then analyze Thomas' questions about humility as the virtue of reverentia, the inner feeling of fear and subjection to our superiors that is the source of all forms of respect, to verify how, in the Summa Theologiae's system of virtues, humility shares with the virtues of justice the exercise of respect.
Entre justice et humilité. Les vertus du respect chez Thomas d'Aquin
CASAGRANDE, CARLA
2017-01-01
Abstract
This article puts forward an analysis of the questions Thomas Aquinas devoted to the theme of respect in the Summa Theologiae. First, we study the questions about the virtues which teach us to render to God and to men their due worship and honor. In question here are five virtues: religio, pietas, observantia, dulia and oboedientia, analyzed by Thomas within the questions dedicated to justice, as virtues allied to it. We show how the exercise of these virtues takes place within a hierarchical order where respect for God legitimizes respect for princes in civil life, military commanders in combat, and teachers in school. At the same time, we show as well how the idea of different forms of excellence promotes an ever wider circulation of respect capable of achieving a universal and mutual dissemination of respect among men, according to what is written in Philippians 2: 3: "Let everyone in all humility regard others as superior to themselves". We then analyze Thomas' questions about humility as the virtue of reverentia, the inner feeling of fear and subjection to our superiors that is the source of all forms of respect, to verify how, in the Summa Theologiae's system of virtues, humility shares with the virtues of justice the exercise of respect.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.