The Background of the Formation of Aquinas’ Catholic Social Ethics Thought

Abstract

Aquinas’ Catholic Social Ethics Thought originated in the period of feudal society transformation in Western Europe in the Middle Ages. In order to consolidate its social dominance, Roman Catholicism has taken many measures to strengthen the religious system, which provides an opportunity for Aquinas to understand society. Latin Translation Movement provides important ideological resources for Aquinas’ Social Ethics Thought. The establishment of medieval universities provided a platform for his research. His superior family environment shaped his unique perspective of observing society. Aquinas maintained the authority of the church by using the new ideas and the social relations he had, and became a famous and successful person in the field of Catholic society.

Key words: Aquinas, Catholicism, Social Ethics, Background