Aquinas’ evaluation of the assertion „quantum intendis, tantum facis“ as relevant to sinful actions
Aquinas’ evaluation of the assertion „quantum intendis, tantum facis“ as relevant to sinful actions

Summary/Abstract: The criticism against the absolute validity of the assertion quantum intendis, tantum facis is an integral component of Aquinas’ doctrine of moral intention. This paper aims to investigate this criticism within the domain of sinful actions according to Aquinas’ division of sins. The quantum-tantum assertion is only valid regarding the mortal sins directly against God, which do not involve any effect of sensual suffering according to their species, whereas these kinds of sins cannot bear any degree of gravity: the loss of the connection with God is radical. Meanwhile, the mortal sins with sensual suffering as effect and the venial sins as the corresponding imperfect form do not follow the assertion and possess varied degrees of gravity: their sinful gravity depends not only on the intentional action, but on the corresponding realization. The fact that, among sins, the validity of the quantum-tantum assertion varies because of the sins’ relation to sensual effect indicates that sinful action, with or without a sensual effect, is involved in the species of sinful acts.

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