A ORIGEM DO MAL E A LIBERDADE HUMANA

UMA ANÁLISE À LUZ DA FILOSOFIA TOMISTA

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine the foundational structures that underpin the problem of evil, namely, the nature and cause of sin, as well as the mechanisms of action that lead human beings to commit evil acts. The intent is to demonstrate that the nature of evil cannot be traced back to God, but rather to the human being as a free moral agent. To explore and address this issue, this work seeks, from a Thomistic perspective, to first analyze the nature and origin of evil. Then, it will be examined whether evil can be a final cause desired by the agent. Finally, the analysis will focus on evil as a result of the free actions of voluntary beings, which arise from a departure from right reason and divine law.