Differences Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“Good and evil are essential differences of the act of the will. For good and evil pertain essentially to the will; just as truth and falsehood pertain to the reason, the act of which is distinguished essentially by the difference of truth and falsehood (according as we say that an opinion is true or false.) Consequently, good and evil volition are acts differing in species.”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologiae, Part I, Question 13, Article 1
Moral choices are rooted in the will, just as truth belongs to reason; good and evil are distinct volitional acts.
In simple terms: Good and evil stem from will choices, like truth from reason.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the will’s role in moral decisions.
Themes
ethics
will
morality
philosophy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- legal judgments
- ethical counseling
- leadership choices
Key Concepts
volition
moral ontology
truth versus falsehood
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your will shape your moral choices?
- Can reason alone determine good and evil?
A Different Perspective
Moral judgments also involve emotions and social contexts, not just rational will.
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