Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 7 March 1274) was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church. He is an immensely influential philosopher, theologian, and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism, within which he is also known as the Doctor Angelicus and the Doctor Communis. The name Aquinas identifies his ancestral origins in the county of Aquino in present-day Lazio, Italy.

Life

Thomas Aquinas was born in the castle of Roccasecca, north of Naples, to a noble family. He was educated by Benedictine monks at Monte Cassino and at the University of Naples. At Naples, Thomas had the opportunity to meet members of the newly founded Dominican Order. It was at Naples too that Thomas was introduced to Aristotle's philosophy, which would shape his theological work.

Works

Aquinas wrote several important commentaries on Aristotle's works, including On the Soul, Nicomachean Ethics, and Metaphysics. His best-known work is the Summa Theologica, a three-part work that covers the whole of Catholic theology. He completed the Prima Pars (first part) and the Prima Secundae (first part of the second part), and part of the Secunda Secundae (second part of the second part). The Tertia Pars (third part) and the rest of the Secunda Secundae were completed by others after his death.

Philosophy and theology

Aquinas's philosophy and theology are based on the idea that human knowledge can lead us to God. He believed that reason and faith are compatible and that they complement each other. He also believed in the existence of a single God who is good, wise, and powerful. His philosophy and theology are known as Thomism.

Legacy

Thomas Aquinas's influence on Western thought is considerable. His commentaries on Scripture and on Aristotle form an important part of his body of work. Furthermore, his theological works, including the Summa Theologica, have been central to the formation of the Catholic Church's doctrine. His work continues to influence Catholic philosophy today, especially that pertaining to ethics and the nature of God.

See also

• Scholasticism
• Aristotelianism
• Dominican Order
• Catholic Church