Tomás de Aquino´s reason and sin conception

Abstract

The aim of article is to perform an analysis of both Tomás de Aquino´s sin conception and the role he attributes to reason concerning human attitudes. In order to accomplish such a purpose it must be obverved that Aquino is a man from his period. Such a statement means that this author was not alienated from the changes accorring in the society and, so, he could understand the issues of time, mking them the theme of his work. Therefore, when dealing with sin, the author considers it from the same point of view that he ambraces the other issues related to men, that is, that man is just a man because he is endowed with reason. This element that differentiates men from the other animals must regulates their exixtence. Having this idea as a main point, and considering sins, Aquino is faithful to his purposes. Sin is not only treated in relation to the religious doctrine, but as something human as well. It is obvious that he treats the sin according to a Christian conception due to the fact that this was the way of thinking on society at that time. However, when dealing with the sin based on reason, common goodness and, consequently, as a way of social ordering, Aquino gives a proposal to the laic society of that time. It is a secular suggestion of man and society.