Is the eternal law the highest conception [or plan] existing in God?
It seems that the eternal law is not the highest conception [or plan] (ratio summa) existing in God: Objection 1: The eternal law is a single law only. But there are many conceptions (rationes) in Gods mind, since in 83 Quaestiones Augustine says, God made individual things by means of conceptions that are proper to each of them. Therefore, the eternal law does not seem to be the same as a conception existing in Gods mind. Objection 2: As was explained above (q. 90, a. 4), it is part of the nature of law that it be promulgated by a spoken word. But as was established in the First Part (ST 1, q. 34, a. 1), Word is predicated of a person in God, whereas conception is predicated of the divine essence. Therefore, the eternal law is not the same as Gods conception. Objection 3: In De Vera Religione Augustine says, It is clear that above our mind there is a law, which is called truth. But the law that exists above our mind is the eternal law. Therefore, the eternal law is truth. But the natu
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