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First Part of the Second Part [<< | >>]
Question: 74 [<< | >>]
We must now consider the subject of vice or sin: under which head there
are ten points of inquiry:
(1) Whether the will can be the subject of sin?
(2) Whether the will alone is the subject of sin?
(3) Whether the sensuality can be the subject of sin?
(4) Whether it can be the subject of mortal sin?
(5) Whether the reason can be the subject of sin?
(6) Whether morose delectation or non-morose delectation be subjected in
the higher reason?
(7) Whether the sin of consent in the act of sin is subjected in the
higher reason?
(8) Whether the lower reason can be the subject of mortal sin?
(9) Whether the higher reason can be the subject of venial sin?
(10) Whether there can be in the higher reason a venial sin directed to
its proper object?
Index [<< | >>]
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 1 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the will cannot be a subject of sin. For
Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "evil is outside the will and the
intention." But sin has the character of evil. Therefore sin cannot be in
the will.
Objection 2: Further, the will is directed either to the good or to what seems
good. Now from the fact that will wishes the good, it does not sin: and
that it wishes what seems good but is not truly good, points to a defect
in the apprehensive power rather than in the will. Therefore sin is
nowise in the will.
Objection 3: Further, the same thing cannot be both subject and efficient
cause of sin: because "the efficient and the material cause do not
coincide" (Phys. 2, text. 70). Now the will is the efficient cause of
sin: because the first cause of sinning is the will, as Augustine states
(De Duabus Anim. x, 10,11). Therefore it is not the subject of sin.
On the contrary, Augustine says (Retract. i, 9) that "it is by the will
that we sin, and live righteously."
I answer that, Sin is an act, as stated above (Question [71], Articles [1],6). Now some
acts pass into external matter, e.g. "to cut" and "to burn": and such
acts have for their matter and subject, the thing into which the action
passes: thus the Philosopher states (Phys. iii, text. 18) that "movement
is the act of the thing moved, caused by a mover." On the other hand,
there are acts which do not pass into external matter, but remain in the
agent, e.g. "to desire" and "to know": and such are all moral acts,
whether virtuous or sinful. Consequently the proper subject of sin must
needs be the power which is the principle of the act. Now since it is
proper to moral acts that they are voluntary, as stated above (Question [1], Article [1]; Question [18], Article [6]), it follows that the will, which is the principle of
voluntary acts, both of good acts, and of evil acts or sins, is the
principle of sins. Therefore it follows that sin is in the will as its
subject.
Reply to Objection 1: Evil is said to be outside the will, because the will does
not tend to it under the aspect of evil. But since some evil is an
apparent good, the will sometimes desires an evil, and in this sense is
in the will.
Reply to Objection 2: If the defect in the apprehensive power were nowise subject
to the will, there would be no sin, either in the will, or in the
apprehensive power, as in the case of those whose ignorance is
invincible. It remains therefore that when there is in the apprehensive
power a defect that is subject to the will, this defect also is deemed a
sin.
Reply to Objection 3: This argument applies to those efficient causes whose
actions pass into external matter, and which do not move themselves, but
move other things; the contrary of which is to be observed in the will;
hence the argument does not prove.
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 2 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the will alone is the subject of sin. For
Augustine says (De Duabus Anim. x, 10) that "no one sins except by the
will." Now the subject of sin is the power by which we sin. Therefore the
will alone is the subject of sin.
Objection 2: Further, sin is an evil contrary to reason. Now good and evil
pertaining to reason are the object of the will alone. Therefore the will
alone is the subject of sin.
Objection 3: Further, every sin is a voluntary act, because, as Augustine
states (De Lib. Arb. iii, 18) [*Cf. De Vera Relig. xiv.], "so true is it
that every sin is voluntary, that unless it be voluntary, it is no sin at
all." Now the acts of the other powers are not voluntary, except in so
far as those powers are moved by the will; nor does this suffice for them
to be the subject of sin, because then even the external members of the
body, which are moved by the will, would be a subject of sin; which is
clearly untrue. Therefore the will alone is the subject of sin.
On the contrary, Sin is contrary to virtue: and contraries are about one
same thing. But the other powers of the soul, besides the will, are the
subject of virtues, as stated above (Question [56]). Therefore the will is not
the only subject of sin.
I answer that, As was shown above (Article [1]), whatever is the a principle of
a voluntary act is a subject of sin. Now voluntary acts are not only
those which are elicited by the will, but also those which are commanded
by the will, as we stated above (Question [6], Article [4]) in treating of
voluntariness. Therefore not only the will can be a subject of sin, but
also all those powers which can be moved to their acts, or restrained
from their acts, by the will; and these same powers are the subjects of
good and evil moral habits, because act and habit belong to the same
subject.
Reply to Objection 1: We do not sin except by the will as first mover; but we sin
by the other powers as moved by the will.
Reply to Objection 2: Good and evil pertain to the will as its proper objects;
but the other powers have certain determinate goods and evils, by reason
of which they can be the subject of virtue, vice, and sin, in so far as
they partake of will and reason.
Reply to Objection 3: The members of the body are not principles but merely
organs of action: wherefore they are compared to the soul which moves
them, as a slave who is moved but moves no other. On the other hand, the
internal appetitive powers are compared to reason as free agents, because
they both act and are acted upon, as is made clear in Polit. i, 3.
Moreover, the acts of the external members are actions that pass into
external matter, as may be seen in the blow that is inflicted in the sin
of murder. Consequently there is no comparison.
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 3 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that there cannot be sin in the sensuality. For sin
is proper to man who is praised or blamed for his actions. Now sensuality
is common to us and irrational animals. Therefore sin cannot be in the
sensuality.
Objection 2: Further, "no man sins in what he cannot avoid," as Augustine
states (De Lib. Arb. iii, 18). But man cannot prevent the movement of the
sensuality from being inordinate, since "the sensuality ever remains
corrupt, so long as we abide in this mortal life; wherefore it is
signified by the serpent," as Augustine declares (De Trin. xii, 12,13).
Therefore the inordinate movement of the sensuality is not a sin.
Objection 3: Further, that which man himself does not do is not imputed to him
as a sin. Now "that alone do we seem to do ourselves, which we do with
the deliberation of reason," as the Philosopher says (Ethic. ix, 8).
Therefore the movement of the sensuality, which is without the
deliberation of reason, is not imputed to a man as a sin.
On the contrary, It is written (@Rm. 7:19): "The good which I will I do
not; but the evil which I will not, that I do": which words Augustine
explains (Contra Julian. iii, 26; De Verb. Apost. xii, 2,3), as referring
to the evil of concupiscence, which is clearly a movement of the
sensuality. Therefore there can be sin in the sensuality.
I answer that, As stated above (Articles [2],3), sin may be found in any power
whose act can be voluntary and inordinate, wherein consists the nature of
sin. Now it is evident that the act of the sensuality, or sensitive
appetite, is naturally inclined to be moved by the will. Wherefore it
follows that sin can be in the sensuality.
Reply to Objection 1: Although some of the powers of the sensitive part are
common to us and irrational animals, nevertheless, in us, they have a
certain excellence through being united to the reason; thus we surpass
other animals in the sensitive part for as much as we have the powers of
cogitation and reminiscence, as stated in the FP, Question [78], Article [4]. In the
same way our sensitive appetite surpasses that of other animals by reason
of a certain excellence consisting in its natural aptitude to obey the
reason; and in this respect it can be the principle of a voluntary
action, and, consequently, the subject of sin.
Reply to Objection 2: The continual corruption of the sensuality is to be
understood as referring to the "fomes," which is never completely
destroyed in this life, since, though the stain of original sin passes,
its effect remains. However, this corruption of the "fomes" does not
hinder man from using his rational will to check individual inordinate
movements, if he be presentient to them, for instance by turning his
thoughts to other things. Yet while he is turning his thoughts to
something else, an inordinate movement may arise about this also: thus
when a man, in order to avoid the movements of concupiscence, turns his
thoughts away from carnal pleasures, to the considerations of science,
sometimes an unpremeditated movement of vainglory will arise.
Consequently, a man cannot avoid all such movements, on account of the
aforesaid corruption: but it is enough, for the conditions of a voluntary
sin, that he be able to avoid each single one.
Reply to Objection 3: Man does not do perfectly himself what he does without the
deliberation of reason, since the principal part of man does nothing
therein: wherefore such is not perfectly a human act; and consequently it
cannot be a perfect act of virtue or of sin, but is something imperfect
of that kind. Therefore such movement of the sensuality as forestalls the
reason, is a venial sin, which is something imperfect in the genus of sin.
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 4 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that mortal sin can be in the sensuality. Because
an act is discerned by its object. Now it is possible to commit a mortal
sin about the objects of the sensuality, e.g. about carnal pleasures.
Therefore the act of the sensuality can be a mortal sin, so that mortal
sin can be found in the sensuality.
Objection 2: Further, mortal sin is opposed to virtue. But virtue can be in
the sensuality; for temperance and fortitude are virtues of the
irrational parts, as the Philosopher states (Ethic. iii, 10). Therefore,
since it is natural to contraries to be about the same subject,
sensuality can be the subject of mortal sin.
Objection 3: Further, venial sin is a disposition to mortal sin. Now
disposition and habit are in the same subject. Since therefore venial sin
may be in the sensuality, as stated above (Article [3], ad 3), mortal sin can be
there also.
On the contrary, Augustine says (Retract. i, 23): "The inordinate
movement of concupiscence, which is the sin of the sensuality, can even
be in those who are in a state of grace," in whom, however, mortal sin is
not to be found. Therefore the inordinate movement of the sensuality is
not a mortal sin.
I answer that, Just as a disorder which destroys the principle of the
body's life causes the body's death, so too a disorder which destroys the
principle of spiritual life, viz. the last end, causes spiritual death,
which is mortal sin, as stated above (Question [72], Article [5]). Now it belongs to the
reason alone, and not to the sensuality, to order anything to the end:
and disorder in respect of the end can only belong to the power whose
function it is to order others to the end. Wherefore mortal sin cannot be
in the sensuality, but only in the reason.
Reply to Objection 1: The act of the sensuality can concur towards a mortal sin:
yet the fact of its being a mortal sin is due, not to its being an act of
the sensuality, but to its being an act of reason, to whom the ordering
to the end belongs. Consequently mortal sin is imputed, not to the
sensuality, but to reason.
Reply to Objection 2: An act of virtue is perfected not only in that it is an act
of the sensuality, but still more in the fact of its being an act of
reason and will, whose function it is to choose: for the act of moral
virtue is not without the exercise of choice: wherefore the act of moral
virtue, which perfects the appetitive power, is always accompanied by an
act of prudence, which perfects the rational power; and the same applies
to mortal sin, as stated (ad 1).
Reply to Objection 3: A disposition may be related in three ways to that to which
it disposes: for sometimes it is the same thing and is in the same
subject; thus inchoate science is a disposition to perfect science:
sometimes it is in the same subject, but is not the same thing; thus heat
is a disposition to the form of fire: sometimes it is neither the same
thing, nor in the same subject, as in those things which are subordinate
to one another in such a way that we can arrive at one through the other,
e.g. goodness of the imagination is a disposition to science which is in
the intellect. In this way the venial sin that is in the sensuality, may
be a disposition to mortal sin, which is in the reason.
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 5 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that sin cannot be in the reason. For the sin of
any power is a defect thereof. But the fault of the reason is not a sin,
on the contrary, it excuses sin: for a man is excused from sin on account
of ignorance. Therefore sin cannot be in the reason.
Objection 2: Further, the primary object of sin is the will, as stated above
(Article [1]). Now reason precedes the will, since it directs it. Therefore sin
cannot be in the reason.
Objection 3: Further, there can be no sin except about things which are under
our control. Now perfection and defect of reason are not among those
things which are under our control: since by nature some are mentally
deficient, and some shrewd-minded. Therefore no sin is in the reason.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 12) that sin is in the
lower and in the higher reason.
I answer that, The sin of any power is an act of that power, as we have
clearly shown (Articles [1],2,3). Now reason has a twofold act: one is its
proper act in respect of its proper object, and this is the act of
knowing the truth; the other is the act of reason as directing the other
powers. Now in both of these ways there may be sin in the reason. First,
in so far as it errs in the knowledge of truth, which error is imputed to
the reason as a sin, when it is in ignorance or error about what it is
able and ought to know: secondly, when it either commands the inordinate
movements of the lower powers, or deliberately fails to check them.
Reply to Objection 1: This argument considers the defect in the proper act of the
reason in respect of its proper object, and with regard to the case when
it is a defect of knowledge about something which one is unable to know:
for then this defect of reason is not a sin, and excuses from sin, as is
evident with regard to the actions of madmen. If, however, the defect of
reason be about something which a man is able and ought to know, he is
not altogether excused from sin, and the defect is imputed to him as a
sin. The defect which belongs only to the act of directing the other
powers, is always imputed to reason as a sin, because it can always
obviate this defect by means of its proper act.
Reply to Objection 2: As stated above (Question [17], Article [1]), when we were treating of the
acts of the will and reason, the will moves and precedes the reason, in
one way, and the reason moves and precedes the will in another: so that
both the movement of the will can be called rational, and the act of the
reason, voluntary. Accordingly sin is found in the reason, either through
being a voluntary defect of the reason, or through the reason being the
principle of the will's act.
The Reply to the Third Objection is evident from what has been said (ad
1).
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 6 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the sin of morose delectation is not in the
reason. For delectation denotes a movement of the appetitive power, as
stated above (Question [31], Article [1]). But the appetitive power is distinct from the
reason, which is an apprehensive power. Therefore morose delectation is
not in the reason.
Objection 2: Further, the object shows to which power an act belongs, since it
is through the act that the power is directed to its object. Now a morose
delectation is sometimes about sensible goods, and not about the goods of
the reason. Therefore the sin of morose delectation is not in the reason.
Objection 3: Further, a thing is said to be morose [*From the Latin
'mora'---delay] through taking a length of time. But length of time is no
reason why an act should belong to a particular power. Therefore morose
delectation does not belong to the reason.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 12) that "if the consent
to a sensual delectation goes no further than the mere thought of the
pleasure, I deem this to be like as though the woman alone had partaken
of the forbidden fruit." Now "the woman" denotes the lower reason, as he
himself explains (De Trin. xii, 12). Therefore the sin of morose
delectation is in the reason.
I answer that, As stated (Article [5]), sin may be in the reason, not only in
respect of reason's proper act, but sometimes in respect of its directing
human actions. Now it is evident that reason directs not only external
acts, but also internal passions. Consequently when the reason fails in
directing the internal passions, sin is said to be in the reason, as also
when it fails in directing external actions. Now it fails, in two ways,
in directing internal passions: first, when it commands unlawful
passions; for instance, when a man deliberately provokes himself to a
movement of anger, or of lust: secondly, when it fails to check the
unlawful movement of a passion; for instance, when a man, having
deliberately considered that a rising movement of passion is inordinate,
continues, notwithstanding, to dwell [immoratur] upon it, and fails to
drive it away. And in this sense the sin of morose delectation is said to
be in the reason.
Reply to Objection 1: Delectation is indeed in the appetitive power as its
proximate principle; but it is in the reason as its first mover, in
accordance with what has been stated above (Article [1]), viz. that actions
which do not pass into external matter are subjected in their principles.
Reply to Objection 2: Reason has its proper elicited act about its proper object;
but it exercises the direction of all the objects of those lower powers
that can be directed by the reason: and accordingly delectation about
sensible objects comes also under the direction of reason.
Reply to Objection 3: Delectation is said to be morose not from a delay of time,
but because the reason in deliberating dwells [immoratur] thereon, and
fails to drive it away, "deliberately holding and turning over what
should have been cast aside as soon as it touched the mind," as Augustine
says (De Trin. xii, 12).
Index [<< | >>]
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 7 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the sin of consent to the act is not in the
higher reason. For consent is an act of the appetitive power, as stated
above (Question [15], Article [1]): whereas the reason is an apprehensive power.
Therefore the sin of consent to the act is not in the higher reason.
Objection 2: Further, "the higher reason is intent on contemplating and
consulting the eternal law," as Augustine states (De Trin. xii, 7).
[*'Rationes aeternae,' cf. FP, Question [15], Articles [2],[3] where as in similar
passages 'ratio' has been rendered by the English 'type,' because St.
Thomas was speaking of the Divine 'idea' as the archetype of the
creature. Hence the type or idea is a rule of conduct, and is identified
with the eternal law, (cf. Article [8], Objection [1]; Article [9])]. But sometimes consent is
given to an act, without consulting the eternal law: since man does not
always think about Divine things, whenever he consents to an act.
Therefore the sin of consent to the act is not always in the higher
reason.
Objection 3: Further, just as man can regulate his external actions according
to the eternal law, so can he regulate his internal pleasures or other
passions. But "consent to a pleasure without deciding to fulfil it by
deed, belongs to the lower reason," as Augustine states (De Trin. xii,
2). Therefore the consent to a sinful act should also be sometimes
ascribed to the lower reason.
Objection 4: Further, just as the higher reason excels the lower, so does the
reason excel the imagination. Now sometimes man proceeds to act through
the apprehension of the power of imagination, without any deliberation of
his reason, as when, without premeditation, he moves his hand, or foot.
Therefore sometimes also the lower reason may consent to a sinful act,
independently of the higher reason.
On the contrary, Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 12): "If the consent to
the evil use of things that can be perceived by the bodily senses, so far
approves of any sin, as to point, if possible, to its consummation by
deed, we are to understand that the woman has offered the forbidden fruit
to her husband."
I answer that, Consent implies a judgment about the thing to which
consent is given. For just as the speculative reason judges and delivers
its sentence about intelligible matters, so the practical reason judges
and pronounces sentence on matters of action. Now we must observe that in
every case brought up for judgment, the final sentence belongs to the
supreme court, even as we see that in speculative matters the final
sentence touching any proposition is delivered by referring it to the
first principles; since, so long as there remains a yet higher principle,
the question can yet be submitted to it: wherefore the judgment is still
in suspense, the final sentence not being as yet pronounced. But it is
evident that human acts can be regulated by the rule of human reason,
which rule is derived from the created things that man knows naturally;
and further still, from the rule of the Divine law, as stated above
(Question [19], Article [4]). Consequently, since the rule of the Divine law is the
higher rule, it follows that the ultimate sentence, whereby the judgment
is finally pronounced, belongs to the higher reason which is intent on
the eternal types. Now when judgment has to be pronounced on several
points, the final judgment deals with that which comes last; and, in
human acts, the action itself comes last, and the delectation which is
the inducement to the action is a preamble thereto. Therefore the consent
to an action belongs properly to the higher reason, while the preliminary
judgment which is about the delectation belongs to the lower reason,
which delivers judgment in a lower court: although the higher reason can
also judge of the delectation, since whatever is subject to the judgment
of the lower court, is subject also to the judgment of the higher court,
but not conversely.
Reply to Objection 1: Consent is an act of the appetitive power, not absolutely,
but in consequence of an act of reason deliberating and judging, as
stated above (Question [15], Article [3]). Because the fact that the consent is finally
given to a thing is due to the fact that the will tends to that upon
which the reason has already passed its judgment. Hence consent may be
ascribed both to the will and to the reason.
Reply to Objection 2: The higher reason is said to consent, from the very fact
that it fails to direct the human act according to the Divine law,
whether or not it advert to the eternal law. For if it thinks of God's
law, it holds it in actual contempt: and if not, it neglects it by a
kind of omission. Therefore the consent to a sinful act always proceeds
from the higher reason: because, as Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 12),
"the mind cannot effectively decide on the commission of a sin, unless by
its consent, whereby it wields its sovereign power of moving the members
to action, or of restraining them from action, it become the servant or
slave of the evil deed."
Reply to Objection 3: The higher reason, by considering the eternal law, can
direct or restrain the internal delectation, even as it can direct or
restrain the external action: nevertheless, before the judgment of the
higher reason is pronounced the lower reason, while deliberating the
matter in reference to temporal principles, sometimes approves of this
delectation: and then the consent to the delectation belongs to the lower
reason. If, however, after considering the eternal law, man persists in
giving the same consent, such consent will then belong to the higher
reason.
Reply to Objection 4: The apprehension of the power of imagination is sudden and
indeliberate: wherefore it can cause an act before the higher or lower
reason has time to deliberate. But the judgment of the lower reason is
deliberate, and so requires time, during which the higher reason can also
deliberate; consequently, if by its deliberation it does not check the
sinful act, this will deservedly by imputed to it.
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Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 8 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that consent to delectation is not a mortal sin, for consent to delectation belongs to the lower reason, which does not consider the eternal types, i.e. the eternal law, and consequently does not turn away from them. Now every mortal sin consists in turning away from Augustine's definition of mortal sin, which was quoted above (Question [71], Article [6]). Therefore consent to delectation is not a mortal sin.
Objection 2: Further, consent to a thing is not evil, unless the thing to
which consent is given be evil. Now "the cause of anything being such is
yet more so," or at any rate not less. Consequently the thing to which a
man consents cannot be a lesser evil than his consent. But delectation
without deed is not a mortal sin, but only a venial sin. Therefore
neither is the consent to the delectation a mortal sin.
Objection 3: Further, delectations differ in goodness and malice, according to
the difference of the deeds, as the Philosopher states (Ethic. x, 3,5).
Now the inward thought is one thing, and the outward deed, e.g.
fornication, is another. Therefore the delectation consequent to the act
of inward thought, differs in goodness and malice from the pleasure of
fornication, as much as the inward thought differs from the outward deed;
and consequently there is a like difference of consent on either hand.
But the inward thought is not a mortal sin, nor is the consent to that
thought: and therefore neither is the consent to the delectation.
Objection 4: Further, the external act of fornication or adultery is a mortal
sin, not by reason of the delectation, since this is found also in the
marriage act, but by reason of an inordinateness in the act itself. Now
he that consents to the delectation does not, for this reason, consent to
the inordinateness of the act. Therefore he seems not to sin mortally.
Objection 5: Further, the sin of murder is more grievous than simple
fornication. Now it is not a mortal sin to consent to the delectation
resulting from the thought of murder. Much less therefore is it a mortal
sin to consent to the delectation resulting from the thought of
fornication.
Objection 6: Further, the Lord's prayer is recited every day for the remission
of venial sins, as Augustine asserts (Enchiridion lxxviii). Now Augustine
teaches that consent to delectation may be driven away by means of the
Lord's Prayer: for he says (De Trin. xii, 12) that "this sin is much less
grievous than if it be decided to fulfil it by deed: wherefore we ought
to ask pardon for such thoughts also, and we should strike our breasts
and say: 'Forgive us our trespasses.'" Therefore consent to delectation
is a venial sin.
On the contrary, Augustine adds after a few words: "Man will be
altogether lost unless, through the grace of the Mediator, he be forgiven
those things which are deemed mere sins of thought, since without the
will to do them, he desires nevertheless to enjoy them." But no man is
lost except through mortal sin. Therefore consent to delectation is a
mortal sin.
I answer that, There have been various opinions on this point, for some
have held that consent to delectation is not a mortal sin, but only a
venial sin, while others have held it to be a mortal sin, and this
opinion is more common and more probable. For we must take note that
since every delectation results from some action, as stated in Ethic. x,
4, and again, that since every delectation may be compared to two things,
viz. to the operation from which it results, and to the object in which a
person takes delight. Now it happens that an action, just as a thing, is
an object of delectation, because the action itself can be considered as
a good and an end, in which the person who delights in it, rests.
Sometimes the action itself, which results in delectation, is the object
of delectation, in so far as the appetitive power, to which it belongs to
take delight in anything, is brought to bear on the action itself as a
good: for instance, when a man thinks and delights in his thought, in so
far as his thought pleases him; while at other times the delight
consequent to an action, e.g. a thought, has for its object another
action, as being the object of his thought; and then his thought proceeds
from the inclination of the appetite, not indeed to the thought, but to
the action thought of. Accordingly a man who is thinking of fornication,
may delight in either of two things: first, in the thought itself,
secondly, in the fornication thought of. Now the delectation in the
thought itself results from the inclination of the appetite to the
thought; and the thought itself is not in itself a mortal sin; sometimes
indeed it is only a venial sin, as when a man thinks of such a thing for
no purpose; and sometimes it is no sin at all, as when a man has a
purpose in thinking of it; for instance, he may wish to preach or dispute
about it. Consequently such affection or delectation in respect of the
thought of fornication is not a mortal sin in virtue of its genus, but is
sometimes a venial sin and sometimes no sin at all: wherefore neither is
it a mortal sin to consent to such a thought. In this sense the first
opinion is true.
But that a man in thinking of fornication takes pleasure in the act
thought of, is due to his desire being inclined to this act. Wherefore
the fact that a man consents to such a delectation, amounts to nothing
less than a consent to the inclination of his appetite to fornication:
for no man takes pleasure except in that which is in conformity with his
appetite. Now it is a mortal sin, if a man deliberately chooses that his
appetite be conformed to what is in itself a mortal sin. Wherefore such a
consent to delectation in a mortal sin, is itself a mortal sin, as the
second opinion maintains.
Reply to Objection 1: Consent to delectation may be not only in the lower reason,
but also in the higher reason, as stated above (Article [7]). Nevertheless the
lower reason may turn away from the eternal types, for, though it is not
intent on them, as regulating according to them, which is proper to the
higher reason, yet, it is intent on them, as being regulated according to
them: and by turning from them in this sense, it may sin mortally; since
even the acts of the lower powers and of the external members may be
mortal sins, in so far as the direction of the higher reason fails in
directing them according to the eternal types.
Reply to Objection 2: Consent to a sin that is venial in its genus, is itself a
venial sin, and accordingly one may conclude that the consent to take
pleasure in a useless thought about fornication, is a venial sin. But
delectation in the act itself of fornication is, in its genus, a mortal
sin: and that it be a venial sin before the consent is given, is
accidental, viz. on account of the incompleteness of the act: which
incompleteness ceases when the deliberate consent has been given, so that
therefore it has its complete nature and is a mortal sin.
Reply to Objection 3: This argument considers the delectation which has the
thought for its object.
Reply to Objection 4: The delectation which has an external act for its object, cannot be without complacency in the external act as such, even though there be no decision to fulfil it, on account of the prohibition of some higher authority: wherefore the act is inordinate, and consequently the delectation will be inordinate also.
Reply to Objection 5: The consent to delectation, resulting from complacency in
an act of murder thought of, is a mortal sin also: but not the consent to
delectation resulting from complacency in the thought of murder.
Reply to Objection 6: The Lord's Prayer is to be said in order that we may be
preserved not only from venial sin, but also from mortal sin.
Index [<< | >>]
First Part of the Second Part [<< | >>]
Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 9 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that there cannot be venial sin in the higher
reason as directing the lower powers, i.e. as consenting to a sinful act.
For Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 7) that the "higher reason is intent on
considering and consulting the eternal law." But mortal sin consists in
turning away from the eternal law. Therefore it seems that there can be
no other than mortal sin in the higher reason.
Objection 2: Further, the higher reason is the principle of the spiritual
life, as the heart is of the body's life. But the diseases of the heart
are deadly. Therefore the sins of the higher reason are mortal.
Objection 3: Further, a venial sin becomes a mortal sin if it be done out of
contempt. But it would seem impossible to commit even a venial sin,
deliberately, without contempt. Since then the consent of the higher
reason is always accompanied by deliberate consideration of the eternal
law, it seems that it cannot be without mortal sin, on account of the
contempt of the Divine law.
On the contrary, Consent to a sinful act belongs to the higher reason,
as stated above (Article [7]). But consent to an act of venial sin is itself a
venial sin. Therefore a venial sin can be in the higher reason.
I answer that, As Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 7), the higher reason
"is intent on contemplating or consulting the eternal law"; it
contemplates it by considering its truth; it consults it by judging and
directing other things according to it: and to this pertains the fact
that by deliberating through the eternal types, it consents to an act or
dissents from it. Now it may happen that the inordinateness of the act to
which it consents, is not contrary to the eternal law, in the same way as
mortal sin is, because it does not imply aversion from the last end, but
is beside that law, as an act of venial sin is. Therefore when the higher
reason consents to the act of a venial sin, it does not turn away from
the eternal law: wherefore it sins, not mortally, but venially.
This suffices for the Reply to the First Objection.
Reply to Objection 2: Disease of the heart is twofold: one which is in the very
substance of the heart, and affects its natural consistency, and such a
disease is always mortal: the other is a disease of the heart consisting
in some disorder either of the movement or of the parts surrounding the
heart, and such a disease is not always mortal. In like manner there is
mortal sin in the higher reason whenever the order itself of the higher
reason to its proper object which is the eternal law, is destroyed; but
when the disorder leaves this untouched, the sin is not mortal but venial.
Reply to Objection 3: Deliberate consent to a sin does not always amount to
contempt of the Divine law, but only when the sin is contrary to the
Divine law.
Index [<< | >>]
First Part of the Second Part [<< | >>]
Question: 74 [<< | >>]
Article: 10 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that venial sin cannot be in the higher reason as
such, i.e. as considering the eternal law. For the act of a power is not
found to fail except that power be inordinately disposed with regard to
its object. Now the object of the higher reason is the eternal law, in
respect of which there can be no disorder without mortal sin. Therefore
there can be no venial sin in the higher reason as such.
Objection 2: Further, since the reason is a deliberative power, there can be
no act of reason without deliberation. Now every inordinate movement in
things concerning God, if it be deliberate, is a mortal sin. Therefore
venial sin is never in the higher reason as such.
Objection 3: Further, it happens sometimes that a sin which takes us unawares,
is a venial sin. Now a deliberate sin is a mortal sin, through the
reason, in deliberating, having recourse to some higher good, by acting
against which, man sins more grievously; just as when the reason in
deliberating about an inordinate pleasurable act, considers that it is
contrary to the law of God, it sins more grievously in consenting, than
if it only considered that it is contrary to moral virtue. But the higher
reason cannot have recourse to any higher tribunal than its own object.
Therefore if a movement that takes us unawares is not a mortal sin,
neither will the subsequent deliberation make it a mortal sin; which is
clearly false. Therefore there can be no venial sin in the higher reason
as such.
On the contrary, A sudden movement of unbelief is a venial sin. But it
belongs to the higher reason as such. Therefore there can be a venial sin
in the higher reason as such.
I answer that, The higher reason regards its own object otherwise than
the objects of the lower powers that are directed by the higher reason.
For it does not regard the objects of the lower powers, except in so far
as it consults the eternal law about them, and so it does not regard them
save by way of deliberation. Now deliberate consent to what is a mortal
sin in its genus, is itself a mortal sin; and consequently the higher
reason always sins mortally, if the acts of the lower powers to which it
consents are mortal sins.
With regard to its own object it has a twofold act, viz. simple
"intuition," and "deliberation," in respect of which it again consults
the eternal law about its own object. But in respect of simple intuition,
it can have an inordinate movement about Divine things, as when a man
suffers a sudden movement of unbelief. And although unbelief, in its
genus, is a mortal sin, yet a sudden movement of unbelief is a venial
sin, because there is no mortal sin unless it be contrary to the law of
God. Now it is possible for one of the articles of faith to present
itself to the reason suddenly under some other aspect, before the eternal
law, i.e. the law of God, is consulted, or can be consulted, on the
matter; as, for instance, when a man suddenly apprehends the resurrection
of the dead as impossible naturally, and rejects it, as soon as he had
thus apprehended it, before he has had time to deliberate and consider
that this is proposed to our belief in accordance with the Divine law.
If, however, the movement of unbelief remains after this deliberation, it
is a mortal sin. Therefore, in sudden movements, the higher reason may
sin venially in respect of its proper object, even if it be a mortal sin
in its genus; or it may sin mortally in giving a deliberate consent; but
in things pertaining to the lower powers, it always sins mortally, in
things which are mortal sins in their genus, but not in those which are
venial sins in their genus.
Reply to Objection 1: A sin which is against the eternal law, though it be mortal
in its genus, may nevertheless be venial, on account of the
incompleteness of a sudden action, as stated.
Reply to Objection 2: In matters of action, the simple intuition of the
principles from which deliberation proceeds, belongs to the reason, as
well as the act of deliberation: even as in speculative matters it
belongs to the reason both to syllogize and to form propositions:
consequently the reason also can have a sudden movement.
Reply to Objection 3: One and the same thing may be the subject of different
considerations, of which one is higher than the other; thus the existence
of God may be considered, either as possible to be known by the human
reason, or as delivered to us by Divine revelation, which is a higher
consideration. And therefore, although the object of the higher reason
is, in its nature, something sublime, yet it is reducible to some yet
higher consideration: and in this way, that which in the sudden movement
was not a mortal sin, becomes a mortal sin in virtue of the deliberation
which brought it into the light of a higher consideration, as was
explained above.