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Summa Theologiae · II-II, q. 88

Question 88. Of Vows

Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, Second Part of the Second Part. 12 articles.

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Text: Summa Theologiae, Project Gutenberg #18755, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), translated by the Fathers of the English Dominican Province. The Second Part of the Second Part of the Summa in the English Dominican translation (first printed 1911 to 1925; second and revised edition from 1920). A sample check on 2026-11-09 against pre-1931 printings at the Internet Archive (first printings of 1915 and 1916 and the second and revised edition of the 1920s) found that the article text matches, with no 1947 introduction, synopsis, or index. Question and article numbers were added by the transcriber. Rights: Public domain (US)

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We must now consider vows, whereby something is promised to God. Under this head there are twelve points of inquiry:

(1) What is a vow?

(2) What is the matter of a vow?

(3) Of the obligation of vows;

(4) Of the use of taking vows;

(5) Of what virtue is it an act?

(6) Whether it is more meritorious to do a thing from a vow, than without a vow?

(7) Of the solemnizing of a vow;

(8) Whether those who are under another's power can take vows?

(9) Whether children may be bound by vow to enter religion?

(10) Whether a vow is subject to dispensation or commutation?

(11) Whether a dispensation can be granted in a solemn vow of continence?

(12) Whether the authority of a superior is required in a dispensation from a vow?

Articles

  1. Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
  2. Whether a Vow Should Always Be About a Better Good?
  3. Whether All Vows Are Binding?
  4. Whether It Is Expedient to Take Vows?
  5. Whether a Vow Is an Act of Latria or Religion?
  6. Whether It Is More Praiseworthy and Meritorious to Do Something in Fulfilment of a Vow, Than Without a Vow?
  7. Whether a Vow Is Solemnized by the Reception of Holy Orders, and by the Profession of a Certain Rule?
  8. Whether Those Who Are Subject to Another's Power Are Hindered from Taking Vows?
  9. Whether Children Can Bind Themselves by Vow to Enter Religion?
  10. Whether Vows Admit of Dispensation?
  11. Whether It Is Possible to Be Dispensed from a Solemn Vow of Continency?
  12. Whether the Authority of a Prelate Is Required for the Commutation or the Dispensation of a Vow?

Also online, linked only: the same translation at New Advent and the Latin text at Corpus Thomisticum. Neither is copied here.

Source: Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part. Project Gutenberg #18755. Project Gutenberg record. Public domain in the USA. Outside the U.S., check local copyright rules. Project Gutenberg notices retained. The full Project Gutenberg license is kept in the hosted text.