Concept of monarchy and slavery

 
Concept of Monarchy: According to Thomas Aquinas, Monarchy is the
best form of government. Only monarchy could promote unity. It is natural that
the superior must rule over the inferior. It is also good for the inferior to be ruled
by the superior. This is the reason why Aquinas supported slavery to some
extent. The ultimate function of Monarch is bringing virtuous life and happiness
to the people. It is his duty to provide the people with peace and order and all
material well being for the attainment of a happy life. The Monarch is under the
supreme guidance of the natural law. In case of a conflict between the Monarch
and Papacy, it should be the later which must win.

Concept of Slavery: Aquinas supported slavery on the ground that the
superior must rule over the inferior. But there is a fundamental difference
between Aristotle and Aquinas in the case of support for slavery. Aquinas
supported slavery on certain religious grounds also. According to him, it is a
remedy to wash off sins. By saying so, Aquinas took a careful position not to
disturb the then social set up
Estimate of St. Thomas Aquinas: Thomas Aquinas was a true
representative of the Middle Ages. Within the intellectual confinement of the
Church, he could remain a liberal thinker. His contribution to political thought
and the then society was multifaceted. Aquinas is best known for his
classification of Laws. The contribution of St. Thomas Aquinas can be

summarised as follows:
1. Idea of Democracy: Aquinas said that the ultimate authority of the sovereign
comes from the people, viewed from a political angle. Knowingly or
unknowingly, St. Thomas Aquinas was paving the seeds of Democracy.

2. Idea of Welfare State: According to Aquinas, the functions of the state were
good and virtuous life. It was expected to provide the citizens with all
amenities, which would help them to lead a happy life.

3. Revival of Aristotelianism: With St. Thomas Aquinas, the principles of Aristotle
began to be re read in the west. It was re discovery. It was a new beginning
long lost during the dark ages perpetrated by the church. By doing so,
Aquinas was correcting a mistake of the ages. Political philosophy could move
forward there forth.

4. Revival of Scholasticism: The best part of Scholasticism was that it was a
combination of faith and reason. It brought reason at par with faith. It became
easy of the later thinkers to drop faith in favour of reason in their thinking
towards a secular and egalitarian society and state. Aquinas built the foundation for that.
So friend this is all about the monarchy and slavery and thanks for reading.