The Equilibrium between Intellectus and Voluntas. The Definition of Law by Francisco Suárez

Starting from the law definition deriving from q. 90 Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas, considered as a major premise of syllogism, Francisco Suárez comes to a synthesis, through multiple and variety minor premises. Synthesis which can be considered, at least, all-encompassing of all the necessary elements. The Jesuit emphasizes the term praeceptum, which encloses the transposition of the regula et mensura pair, thus conferring a certain emphasis on the volunteer part. This implies that each term of Suarezian definition is in equilibrium with the other terms, which, as a whole, recall, alternating as in a play of lights and shadows, will and intellect.