Cases Quote by Thomas Aquinas
“It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another's property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need”
About This Quote
Source Summa Theologica, Part II-II, Question 64, Article 1
Taking another's property in extreme need is morally permissible because necessity creates a new claim of ownership.
In simple terms: Extreme need can justify taking what is needed for survival.
Key Takeaway
Recognize necessity when judging moral actions.
Themes
ethics
necessity
property rights
Mood
compassionate
pragmatic
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- survival situations
- poverty relief
- emergency aid
- humanitarian crises
Key Concepts
natural law
moral relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is need sufficient to override property rights?
- How to prevent exploitation of this principle?
A Different Perspective
May be abused to justify theft beyond genuine need.
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