Evaluate Aquinas’ theological approach to conscience
40 marks
OCR A-level religious studies
Aquinas’ approach to conscience is logical as it is based around the concept of reason given by God,
and is therefore infallible and absolute. However, not everyone has a belief in a Christian God as a
creator, and so this theory is not applicable to everyone. It can also be questioned whether we all
have reason.
Aquinas makes use of the concept of ratio – meaning reason. He believed this is given to us by God
who created us ‘imago dei’, setting us apart from other creatures. He said that ratio is more than
simply comprehending things; it is about progression between thoughts. The moral life is practical
and there is not an invariable right answer for each situation, therefore it is not enough to simply
know what should be done, but you should work out the best way to do this with the means
40 marks
OCR A-level religious studies
Aquinas’ approach to conscience is logical as it is based around the concept of reason given by God,
and is therefore infallible and absolute. However, not everyone has a belief in a Christian God as a
creator, and so this theory is not applicable to everyone. It can also be questioned whether we all
have reason.
Aquinas makes use of the concept of ratio – meaning reason. He believed this is given to us by God
who created us ‘imago dei’, setting us apart from other creatures. He said that ratio is more than
simply comprehending things; it is about progression between thoughts. The moral life is practical
and there is not an invariable right answer for each situation, therefore it is not enough to simply
know what should be done, but you should work out the best way to do this with the means
