How Did St. Thomas Aquinas Influence Canadian Law

Philosophers, for several years have made a large impact within Canadian law by engaging in the study of the basic nature of knowledge, reality and existence. Aristotle, one of the philosophers who has made a major influence on Canadian law studied and created the main purpose of law known as just acts. As well, Plato was another philosopher who affected Canadian law through reflecting endless truths and virtues. St. Thomas Aquinas also had significance within Canadian law by believing that the main purpose of human law was being virtuous. Aristotle, Plato, and St.Thomas Aquinas were the most influential legal philosophers in Canadian law because they created the elements of just acts, eternal truths and virtues which are present in Canadian law and the virtuous existence of human laws.

First of all, Aristotle believed that happiness is the main goal of human lives and he dedicated himself to the topic of just acts which lead to happiness. One of his description’s of philosophy is that a happy life requires fulfilment of physical and mental well being throughout their lifetime leading to full enrichment. This influences the law in Canada as the laws are there to help the citizens achieve success and avoid situations that would cause distress or misery. Aristotle also believed that virtue must be created and is achieved by maintaining a

middle ground between two extreme sides of living life. In Canada, the citizens are protected by the laws providing safety from harm allowing dignity and integrity. Aristotle’s philosophy states that justice leads to equality for individuals and includes; general justice which refers to goodness of mankind and particular justice referring to human behaviour conforming to social and moral norms. The citizens of Canada are legally entitled to be treated fairly and with justice, which provides a sense of equality to one’s needs. Canadian law is greatly influenced by Aristotle’s philosophy through promoting a society of personal happiness based on just acts.

Secondly, Plato believed that harmony in a society is created when everyone contributes equally to a common goal and justice develops through reason and natural law. Plato describes his philosophy as an idea of a higher “good” for mankind by questioning the purpose of existence. In Canada, our laws allow us the freedom to question and seek knowledge for the information we need. Plato believed that justice or excellence for an individual is achieved once that person is able to fully develop their ability. Citizens in Canada are granted the rights to work towards bettering themselves without discrimination and that way achieve a successful future. Plato believes that social justice can be achieved when all classes of society from workers to rulers exist in harmony and this is accomplished through equality with education to have the same opportunities. The education system in Canada allows access to all citizens equally and offers several incentives for those who are in need as well all Canadian citizens have the right to seek work anywhere in Canada. Plato’s influence in Canadian law is evident in that he believed that the same law should apply to everyone.
Lastly, Thomas Aquinas believes laws were a natural outcome of human kind and that abiding by these laws will lead to achieving spiritual virtue and eternal salvation. Thomas Aquinas developed 4 main virtues that lead to human goodness they are prudence, justice, temperance and courage. In Canada’s legal heritage citizens are entitled to the rule of the law, freedom, democracy, and respect for others.
In Thomas Aquinas’ writings he reveals that man’s goal is to achieve the highest level of success that he can and this is accomplished through the freedom to enlist ethics and knowledge. Canada has courts that help people resolve disputes fairly and ethically and set standards that we live by. Thomas Aquinas sees happiness as perfection and is based on virtues that come from intellect and strong morals. Canadian law protects human rights through prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equality where everyone is treated with respect dignity and consideration. Thomas Aquinas influence on Canadian law is in the idea that natural law leads to the establishment of virtues and a defined sense of right and wrong.
Aristotle, Plato and St.Thomas Aquinas were the most influential legal philosophers in Canadian law because they created elements of just acts, eternal truths and virtues which are present in Canadian law and the virtuous existence of human law.

Aristotle believes that society should achieve eternal happiness and just acts. Plato was also an influential philosopher due to his study of the nature of truths and virtues. Thomas Aquinas believed in moral and virtuous acts from a Spiritual perspective. Knowledge and the governance of the law relies on the contribution of several different effective

philosophers.