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Objection 1: It would seem that children would have had perfect use
of reason at birth. For that children have not perfect use of reason
in our present state, is due to the soul being weighed down by the
body; which was not the case in paradise, because, as it is written,
"The corruptible body is a load upon the soul" (Wis. 9:15).
Therefore, before sin and the corruption which resulted therefrom,
children would have had the perfect use of reason at birth.
Objection 2: Further, some animals at birth have the use of their
natural powers, as the lamb at once flees from the wolf. Much more,
therefore, would men in the state of innocence have had perfect use of
reason at birth.
On the contrary, In all things produced by generation nature proceeds
from the imperfect to the perfect. Therefore children would not have
had the perfect use of reason from the very outset.
I answer that, As above stated (Question 84, Article 7), the
use of reason depends in a certain manner on the use of the sensitive
powers; wherefore, while the senses are tired and the interior
sensitive powers hampered, man has not the perfect use of reason, as
we see in those who are asleep or delirious. Now the sensitive powers
are situate in corporeal organs; and therefore, so long as the latter
are hindered, the action of the former is of necessity hindered also;
and likewise, consequently, the use of reason. Now children are
hindered in the use of these powers on account of the humidity of the
brain; wherefore they have perfect use neither of these powers nor of
reason. Therefore, in the state of innocence, children would not
have had the perfect use of reason, which they would have enjoyed later
on in life. Yet they would have had a more perfect use than they have
now, as to matters regarding that particular state, as explained above
regarding the use of their limbs (Question 99, Article 1).
Reply to Objection 1: The corruptible body is a load upon the
soul, because it hinders the use of reason even in those matters which
belong to man at all ages.
Reply to Objection 2: Even other animals have not at birth such a
perfect use of their natural powers as they have later on. This is
clear from the fact that birds teach their young to fly; and the like
may be observed in other animals. Moreover a special impediment exists
in man from the humidity of the brain, as we have said above
(Question 99, Article 1).
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