St. Thomas Aquinas 'De Regno Ad Regem Cypri'
The inquisitive philosopher, St. Thomas Aquinas, sought to create a correlation between Christian theology and traditional political theory and philosophy. To attain an understanding, St. Thomas Aquinas looked towards the works of Plato and Aristotle, however there is a clear depiction of Cicero's dramatic impact on the philosopher's studies. With the influence of Cicero's Somnium Scipionis, St. Thomas Aquinas is able to establish his beliefs on moral, legal, and political philosophy. Aquinas' doctrine of natural law plays a central role in his teachings. Gathering his findings, St. Thomas Aquinas composed De Regno Ad Regem Cypri and declared his views on issues inseparable from the roots of political philosophy: the best form of government.
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Aquinas addresses this issue by presenting theology as an alternative to the tradition of ancient political philosophy. Aquinas believes that the most suitable reward for kings is given to them by God. He states, "Therefore, since worldly honour and human glory are not a sufficient reward for royal cares, it remains to inquire what sort of reward is sufficient. It is proper that king look to God for his reward. " Kings, rather looking towards the desire for glory, ought to look to God for the reward of their ruling. Aquinas' conclusion stems from the impact of Cicero when he says, "...omnibus, qui patriam conservaverint, adiuverint, auxerint, certum esse in caelo definitum locum, ubi beati aevo sempiterno fruantur. " The two philosophers share similar views as they both presume that the greatest reward a king may obtain is from God. Seeking a reward from God can lead a king to true happiness: eternal life in heaven. The teaching of De Regno depends upon the relationship between God and politics and the implication of that relationship for philosophy as shown when Aquinas states, "But the house of David will be as the house of God, because just as he carried out the work of God among the people...for they thought to transform into Gods the rulers and preservers of their cities. " Ruling with the guidance of God, king's become closer to the Creator and achieve happiness and with this in mind, the people will view the king as fit to rule the
Aquinas addresses this issue by presenting theology as an alternative to the tradition of ancient political philosophy. Aquinas believes that the most suitable reward for kings is given to them by God. He states, "Therefore, since worldly honour and human glory are not a sufficient reward for royal cares, it remains to inquire what sort of reward is sufficient. It is proper that king look to God for his reward. " Kings, rather looking towards the desire for glory, ought to look to God for the reward of their ruling. Aquinas' conclusion stems from the impact of Cicero when he says, "...omnibus, qui patriam conservaverint, adiuverint, auxerint, certum esse in caelo definitum locum, ubi beati aevo sempiterno fruantur. " The two philosophers share similar views as they both presume that the greatest reward a king may obtain is from God. Seeking a reward from God can lead a king to true happiness: eternal life in heaven. The teaching of De Regno depends upon the relationship between God and politics and the implication of that relationship for philosophy as shown when Aquinas states, "But the house of David will be as the house of God, because just as he carried out the work of God among the people...for they thought to transform into Gods the rulers and preservers of their cities. " Ruling with the guidance of God, king's become closer to the Creator and achieve happiness and with this in mind, the people will view the king as fit to rule the