“ It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another's property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need. ”
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica (1274). copy citation
| Author | Thomas Aquinas |
|---|---|
| Source | Summa Theologica |
| Topic | poverty need theft |
| Date | 1274 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18755/pg18755-images.html |
Context
“Nevertheless, if the need be so manifest and urgent, that it is evident that the present need must be remedied by whatever means be at hand (for instance when a person is in some imminent danger, and there is no other possible remedy), then it is lawful for a man to succor his own need by means of another's property, by taking it either openly or secretly: nor is this properly speaking theft or robbery.
Reply Obj. 1: This decretal considers cases where there is no urgent need.
Reply Obj. 2: It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another's property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need.
Reply Obj. 3: In a case of a like need a man may also take secretly another's property in order to succor his neighbor in need. _______________________
EIGHTH ARTICLE [II-II, Q. 66, Art. 8]
” source
Reply Obj. 1: This decretal considers cases where there is no urgent need.
Reply Obj. 2: It is not theft, properly speaking, to take secretly and use another's property in a case of extreme need: because that which he takes for the support of his life becomes his own property by reason of that need.
Reply Obj. 3: In a case of a like need a man may also take secretly another's property in order to succor his neighbor in need. _______________________
EIGHTH ARTICLE [II-II, Q. 66, Art. 8]
” source
Meaning and analysis
