What is the authority of the "Common opinion of theologians"?

[UnlikelySaint]

I often see this phrase common opinion of theologians on moral theology works. I was always wondering if the word opinion is meant to be taken literally or not.

When something is a common opinion of theologians, is it infallible? Is one obliged to adhere to these opinions? What exactly is it?

[CatherineM]

It is not infallible.  Many moral issues today involve things that weren’t around in St. Thomas Aquinas’ time. Some weren’t around even 5 years ago.  It takes the Church longer than that to evaluate new things. So respected theologians give opinions. Sometimes they agree. Sometimes they don’t.