Thomism
Philosophical and theological school based on Thomas Aquinas's thought.
His doctrines drew from Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Jewish philosophers, and he held the principle that truth is to be accepted no matter where it is found. In philosophy, his disputed questions and commentaries on Aristotle are among his best-known works; in theology, his Summa Theologica is a central point of reference for the philosophy and theology of the Catholic Church.
- field
- Philosophy, Theology
- nationality
- Italian (Dominican)
- known_for
- Founding Thomism, Summa Theologica, commentaries on Aristotle
Lore & Background
Thomas Aquinas held and practiced the principle that truth is to be accepted no matter where it is found. His doctrines drew from Greek, Roman, Islamic and Jewish philosophers. Specifically, he was a realist, often affirmed Aristotle's views with independent arguments, and largely followed Aristotelian terminology and metaphysics. He wrote comprehensive commentaries on Aristotle, respectfully referring to him simply as 'the Philosopher'. He also adhered to some neoplatonic principles, such as the idea that there is first something essentially being and essentially good, which is called God, and that everything can be called good and a being inasmuch as it participates in it by way of assimilation.
Reader's Guide
Thomism is significant as the philosophical and theological school that emerged from the work of Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas's metaphysics includes the principle of non-contradiction and causality, and he argued that an infinite regress of causality is impossible, necessitating a first cause. His views on predication distinguish univocal, analogical, and equivocal language. In ethics, he defined 'the good' as what all things strive for, and evil as a privation of good. His position on the temporality of the universe was that it is an article of faith, not demonstrable by reason, allowing for either a temporal or eternal universe.
Did You Know?
- Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica is among the most influential documents in medieval theology.
- Aquinas held that the fundamental axioms of ontology are the principle of non-contradiction and the principle of causality.
- He defined 'the good' as what all things strive for, following Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics.
- Aquinas argued that an infinite regress of causality is impossible, thus a first cause is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the founder of Thomism?
Thomism is the philosophical and theological school built around the thought of Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Dominican friar whose writings shaped Western intellectual life for centuries.
What are Thomism's most important works?
The Summa Theologica stands as the school's central theological reference, while Aquinas's commentaries on Aristotle and his disputed questions remain his most celebrated philosophical contributions.
Which intellectual traditions shaped Thomism?
Aquinas drew on Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Jewish philosophical sources, holding that truth should be embraced regardless of where it originates.
Why is Thomism important in the broader canon?
It serves as a foundational point of reference for both Catholic philosophy and theology, and its engagement with Aristotelian thought helped bridge classical and medieval intellectual traditions.
What is Thomism's core methodological principle?
The school operates on the conviction that truth is universal and should be accepted no matter which culture or tradition first articulated it, making it inherently syncretic in its sources.
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