Response to Questions on Aquinas's view on War

1. How does Thomas prove the existence of God?

Aquinas outlines the fact that because God created everything and that we are his creation, we have a limited understanding of what is real. As 'finite' creatures, we cannot easily comprehend an 'infinite' being such as God.

2. What are Aquinas's views about war? What is just war?

Aquinas says that a war is not morally legitimate unless it is just. In order for it to be a just war it must fulfill three criteria:

1) It must be called by a sovereign authority.

2) It must be a just cause, that being, the enemy should be attacked on account of being at fault.

3) The declaration of war must be from a rightful intention.

3. What are the political assumptions Thomas makes in his discussion of war?

Aquinas not only assumes that people would be willing to begin war through an authority, but that also this authority follows a Christian code. He also does not account for non-national individuals who may desire their own form of justice.

4. How does Christianity limit war?

The criteria outlined by Aquinas in his work limit the excess amount of quarrelling that takes place, assuming that people would be following his criteria. Also, he promotes the avoidance of fighting war on holy day, unless it is completely necessary, yet still it still limits the amount of war that can be waged in any given  year.

5. Who do you think Thomas was trying to persuade with his book? What kind of audience would you have been suited for this method of argument?

Aquinas writes in such a high style and intellectual format that he must intend to write to a political or high-social audience. Also the subject matters he talks of in this section indicate that it called out politicians, though in other sections of the Summa Theologica, Aquinas could write to humanity, including the vernacular.