- “Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican monk and theologian of the 13th century, profoundly impacted Western philosophy and theology through his integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine.”
- “His seminal work, Summa Theologica, articulates a comprehensive system of natural law, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, which has been influential in shaping Catholic doctrine.”
- “Aquinas’ method of scholasticism—a rigorous analytical approach to reconciling faith with reason—set a precedent for academic discourse.”
- “He famously reconciled faith and reason, arguing that they could coexist and even strengthen each other.”
- “His principles of logic, such as the principle of non-contradiction, and his ideas on the existence and nature of God continue to shape philosophical discourse to this day.”
Table of Contents: (Click any link below to navigate to that section.)
- Provide a short paragraph explaining Thomas Aquinas’ influence on philosophy.
- Provide an annotated list of Aquinas’ 7 greatest contributions to philosophy.
- Provide the most likely causes behind Aquinas becoming a notable philosopher.
- Which schools of philosophical thought and academic domains has the philosophy of Aquinas most influenced?
- Create a 7-item quiz on the entire thread above.
- Provide 12 discussion questions relevant to the content above.
Provide a short paragraph explaining Thomas Aquinas’ influence on philosophy.
Thomas Aquinas’ Influence on Philosophy
Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican monk and theologian of the 13th century, profoundly impacted Western philosophy and theology through his integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine. His seminal work, Summa Theologica, articulates a comprehensive system of natural law, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology, which has been influential in shaping Catholic doctrine. Aquinas’ method of scholasticism—a rigorous analytical approach to reconciling faith with reason—set a precedent for academic discourse. His efforts to rationalize faith and his proofs for the existence of God remain pivotal in philosophical debates concerning faith and reason. Aquinas’ philosophical legacy continues to be foundational in both religious and secular discussions, making him a central figure in medieval philosophy.
Thomas Aquinas left an undeniable mark on philosophy. He famously reconciled faith and reason, arguing that they could coexist and even strengthen each other. He also significantly influenced ethics with his idea of natural law, the belief that there are universal moral principles knowable through reason. His work on metaphysics, including his “Five Ways” to prove God’s existence, continues to be debated and studied today. In short, Aquinas’ impact on philosophy is vast, shaping both Christian thought and broader philosophical questions.
Thomas Aquinas, a 13th-century Dominican friar and theologian, had a profound impact on Western philosophy. He synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, laying the foundations for Scholasticism. His extensive writings, particularly the Summa Theologica, tackled a wide range of philosophical questions and sought to reconcile faith and reason. Aquinas’ thoughts on metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and natural law theory significantly influenced the subsequent development of medieval philosophy and the Catholic tradition. His principles of logic, such as the principle of non-contradiction, and his ideas on the existence and nature of God continue to shape philosophical discourse to this day.
Provide an annotated list of Aquinas’ 7 greatest contributions to philosophy.
Thomas Aquinas’ Greatest Contributions to Philosophy
- Five Ways (Proofs of God’s Existence): Aquinas famously proposed five arguments for the existence of God, which include the arguments from motion, causation, contingency, degree, and final cause or teleology. These remain some of the most discussed proofs in the philosophy of religion.
- Concept of Natural Law: Aquinas developed a detailed system of ethics based on natural law, which asserts that morality is determined by nature and reason, and is therefore universal. This concept has been influential in the development of legal theory and moral philosophy.
- Integration of Aristotelian Philosophy: By synthesizing Aristotelian thought with Christian doctrine, Aquinas bridged the gap between faith and reason, influencing the course of Western philosophy and theology, particularly in how substance and accidents are understood.
- Doctrine of Double Effect: This ethical principle explains that it is morally permissible to perform an action that has two effects, one good and one harmful, if the action itself is good or neutral, the good effect is not achieved by means of the bad effect, and there is a sufficiently grave reason for permitting the bad effect.
- Philosophy of Being and Essence: Aquinas distinguished between ‘essence’ (what a thing is) and ‘existence’ (that a thing is), which contributed to metaphysical discourse on the nature of reality and the existence of objects, influencing later existential and phenomenological philosophy.
- Theory of Just War: Aquinas formulated criteria for what makes a war just, including legitimate authority, just cause, right intention, and proportionality. This has been foundational in both theological and secular discussions on the ethics of warfare.
- Virtue Ethics: Reviving and expanding upon Aristotelian virtue ethics, Aquinas argued that virtues are habitual and firm dispositions to do the good. His treatment of the cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) and theological virtues (faith, hope, and charity) enriched Christian ethical thought.
Here’s an annotated list of Aquinas’ 7 greatest contributions to philosophy:
- Synthesis of Faith and Reason:Aquinas believed that faith and reason are compatible ways of knowing, arguing that they ultimately point to the same truths. He incorporated Aristotelian philosophy into Christian thought, creating a coherent framework for theological inquiry. This integration is considered one of his most significant achievements.
- Five Ways: These are five arguments for the existence of God formulated by Aquinas. They use reason to demonstrate the necessity of a first cause, an unmoved mover, a perfect being, and so on. The Five Ways remain influential and debated among philosophers and theologians today.
- Natural Law Theory: This theory posits that there are universal moral principles that can be known through reason, independent of religious revelation. These principles are based on human nature and the purpose for which humans were created. Natural law theory has been highly influential in legal and political philosophy.
- Virtue Ethics: Aquinas emphasized the importance of virtues, such as courage, justice, and temperance, for achieving happiness. He believed that these virtues are developed through habit and reason. Virtue ethics continues to be a prominent approach in moral philosophy.
- Metaphysics: Aquinas’ work on metaphysics, including his distinctions between essence and existence and between substance and accident, has had a lasting impact on philosophical thought. His ideas on being and existence are still debated and studied today.
- Philosophy of Mind: Aquinas argued that the human soul is the substantial form of the human body. This means that the soul is what makes a human a human, and it is responsible for the body’s capacities for life, sensation, and thought. His ideas on the soul and its relationship to the body remain influential in philosophy of mind.
- Epistemology: Aquinas developed a theory of knowledge that emphasizes the role of both sensation and reason. He believed that knowledge begins with experience, but that reason is necessary to understand the world in a meaningful way. His ideas on knowledge continue to be relevant in epistemology.
Here is an annotated list of Thomas Aquinas’ 7 greatest contributions to philosophy:
- Synthesis of Faith and Reason: Aquinas sought to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, demonstrating that reason and faith need not be in conflict. He argued that human reason could understand God through natural revelation.
- Theory of Natural Law: Aquinas developed a comprehensive natural law theory, asserting that rational human beings can discern self-evident moral truths from the natural order. This theory influenced later thinkers like John Locke and the U.S. Constitution.
- Five Proofs for God’s Existence: In the Summa Theologica, Aquinas provided five logical arguments for the existence of God, including the cosmological argument from motion and the teleological argument from design.
- Theory of Analogy: Aquinas addressed how human language can be used to describe God by developing the theory of analogy, which proposed ways human concepts can be applied to the divine while recognizing God’s transcendence.
- Just War Theory: Drawing from Aristotelian ethics, Aquinas formulated criteria for a conflict to be considered a “just war,” addressing the justification for war and conduct within war. This became highly influential in modern ethics.
- Hylomorphic Theory of Human Nature: Aquinas synthesized Aristotle’s hylomorphism (theory of body/soul unity) with Christian doctrine, arguing the soul is the form of the body and that the human person is a dynamic unity.
- Virtue Ethics: While building on Aristotle’s foundation, Aquinas developed a distinctly Christian virtue ethics focused on cultivating moral and theological virtues for the attainment of the highest human good – union with God.
Provide the most likely causes behind Aquinas becoming a notable philosopher.
Causes Behind Aquinas Becoming a Notable Philosopher
- Intellectual Environment: Aquinas was born into an era when the recovery and translation of Greek and Arabic texts into Latin was revitalizing European scholarship. This Renaissance of the 12th century provided a fertile ground for intellectual pursuits, particularly at the University of Naples, where Aquinas was exposed to the works of Aristotle and other classical philosophers.
- Dominican Order: Aquinas joined the Dominican Order, which was dedicated to education and theological scholarship. The order’s emphasis on teaching and academic inquiry undoubtedly shaped his intellectual path and provided him with the resources to pursue his philosophical studies.
- Influence of Albertus Magnus: Aquinas was a student of Albertus Magnus (Albert the Great), a renowned philosopher and theologian who was deeply engaged in the integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. Albertus’ mentorship provided Aquinas with a robust intellectual foundation and encouraged his scholarly interests.
- Scholastic Method: Aquinas excelled in the scholastic method, a medieval school of philosophy that emphasized rigorous dialectical reasoning. His ability to argue systematically and his efforts to reconcile faith with reason helped him formulate and communicate complex ideas effectively.
- Support from the Church: Despite some initial resistance, Aquinas’ ideas eventually gained support from the Catholic Church, which was looking for a robust theological system to underpin its doctrines. His synthesis of reason and faith provided a theological framework that was well-suited to the Church’s needs during the Middle Ages and beyond.
- His Writings: Aquinas was a prolific writer, and his extensive body of work, including Summa Theologica and Summa Contra Gentiles, has been preserved and studied extensively. The breadth and depth of his writings have allowed his ideas to be disseminated widely and incorporated into various fields of study.
- Legacy and Canonization: Aquinas’ canonization as a saint and later designation as a Doctor of the Church by the Catholic Church significantly bolstered his philosophical and theological legacy, ensuring his continued relevance and study in academic and religious institutions around the world.
Here are some of the most likely causes behind Aquinas becoming a notable philosopher:
- Synthesis of Faith and Reason: During Aquinas’ time, there was a tension between faith and reason. His ability to bridge this gap by incorporating Aristotelian philosophy into Christian thought provided a powerful and coherent framework for theological and philosophical inquiry. This unique approach resonated with scholars and helped solidify his place as a prominent thinker.
- Systematic Approach: Aquinas was a meticulous thinker who employed a highly systematic approach in his writings. His monumental works, like the Summa Theologica, meticulously addressed a vast range of philosophical and theological topics in a clear and organized manner. This systematic approach made his ideas accessible and influential.
- Engagement with Existing Thought: Aquinas wasn’t afraid to engage with the major philosophical currents of his time, particularly Aristotelianism. He critically analyzed these ideas, incorporating them where they aligned with his Christian beliefs and challenging them where they diverged. This engagement with existing thought positioned him as a central figure in the intellectual debates of his era.
- Defense of Orthodoxy: While incorporating new ideas, Aquinas remained firmly grounded in Christian orthodoxy. His ability to defend traditional Christian beliefs with reason while acknowledging the value of philosophy earned him respect within the Church. This helped ensure the acceptance and dissemination of his ideas within the Catholic intellectual world.
- Lasting Influence: Aquinas’ ideas on a wide range of topics, from metaphysics to ethics, proved to be remarkably enduring. His work continued to be studied and debated for centuries after his death, influencing countless philosophers and theologians. This lasting impact solidified his reputation as a major thinker.
There are several key factors that likely contributed to Thomas Aquinas becoming one of the most notable and influential philosophers:
- Educational Background: Aquinas received an excellent education, first at the Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino and later at the University of Naples, where he was exposed to the newly rediscovered works of Aristotle and ancient philosophy.
- Belonging to the Dominican Order: As a Dominican friar, Aquinas was part of an intellectual order dedicated to study, teaching, and preaching. This provided him with the time, resources, and motivation to develop his philosophical and theological ideas.
- Intersection of Aristotelian Philosophy and Christianity: Aquinas lived during a time when Aristotle’s works were being rediscovered and reconciled with Christian thought. His ability to synthesize Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology made his work highly relevant and impactful.
- Prolific Writer: Aquinas was an incredibly prolific writer, producing works like the Summa Theologica, which systematically addressed a vast range of philosophical and theological topics, showcasing his immense intellect and comprehensive approach.
- Teaching Career: As a professor at the Universities of Paris and Naples, Aquinas had the opportunity to teach and disseminate his ideas, attracting students and fostering further intellectual discourse.
- Institutional Support: Aquinas had the backing of the Catholic Church and other influential institutions, which allowed his works to be widely circulated and studied, cementing their impact.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Aquinas’ philosophy bridged various disciplines, including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and natural science, making his contributions remarkably broad and influential across multiple fields.
By combining his educational background, institutional support, prolific writing, teaching career, and the relevance of his ideas during a time of great philosophical and theological exploration, Aquinas became a towering figure in Western philosophy.
Which schools of philosophical thought and academic domains has the philosophy of Aquinas most influenced?
Influence of Aquinas’ Philosophy on Schools of Thought and Academic Domains
- Scholasticism: Aquinas is arguably the most prominent figure in the Scholastic movement, which dominated European philosophy and theology during the Middle Ages. His method of using logic and dialectical reasoning to address theological questions set the framework for scholastic debates and studies.
- Catholic Theology: Aquinas’ integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine profoundly influenced Catholic theology. His works are considered foundational in the formation of Church doctrines, particularly in areas concerning the nature of God, ethics, and the relationship between faith and reason.
- Natural Law Theory: In legal philosophy, Aquinas’ theory of natural law—the idea that moral principles are grounded in human nature and reason—is foundational. This has been influential in the development of Western legal systems and continues to be relevant in discussions of human rights and international law.
- Ethics and Moral Philosophy: Aquinas’ work on virtues and the moral life heavily influenced the development of virtue ethics, reviving interest in Aristotelian ethics. His ideas on the cardinal and theological virtues are still discussed in contemporary moral philosophy.
- Metaphysics: In metaphysical inquiry, Aquinas’ distinctions between essence and existence and his discussions on being and substance have influenced later philosophical movements, including existentialism and phenomenology.
- Philosophy of Mind: Aquinas’ views on the human soul, intellect, and will have contributed to the philosophy of mind, particularly in understanding the nature of consciousness and intentionality.
- Just War Theory: In political philosophy, Aquinas’ formulation of the just war theory has been crucial. His criteria for what makes a war just continue to influence international relations and military ethics.
- Education: Aquinas’ emphasis on the compatibility of faith and reason has shaped educational philosophies, particularly within Christian institutions. His model of inquiry and learning promotes a balanced approach to education that encompasses both spiritual and rational dimensions.
Overall, Thomas Aquinas’ philosophical legacy spans across various domains, influencing not only medieval and modern philosophy but also impacting practical fields such as law, ethics, and education.
The philosophy of Aquinas has most prominently influenced the following schools of philosophical thought and academic domains:
- Christian Theology: Undoubtedly, Aquinas’ greatest impact is within Christian theology, particularly Catholic thought. His work, especially the Summa Theologica, became a cornerstone of Catholic theology, shaping doctrines on faith, reason, God, and morality.
- Medieval Philosophy: During the Middle Ages, Aquinas was a central figure in the flourishing of Scholasticism, a movement that aimed to reconcile faith and reason using logic and philosophical analysis. His systematic approach and engagement with Aristotle heavily influenced other medieval philosophers.
- Metaphysics: Aquinas’ ideas on being, existence, substance, and essence continue to be debated and studied within metaphysics. His distinctions between these concepts have had a lasting impact on how philosophers understand the nature of reality.
- Ethics: Aquinas’ natural law theory, emphasizing universal moral principles accessible through reason, remains influential in moral philosophy. Virtue ethics, which focuses on developing good character traits, also draws heavily on his work.
- Philosophy of Mind: The concept of the soul as the substantial form of the body, along with his ideas on the relationship between mind and body, continue to be relevant discussions within philosophy of mind.
- Philosophy of Law: Natural law theory has had a significant impact on legal philosophy, influencing ideas of justice and the foundation of legal systems.
- Political Philosophy: Aquinas’ ideas on natural law and just government have been influential in political philosophy, particularly discussions on the relationship between morality and political authority.
The philosophy of Thomas Aquinas has had a far-reaching influence on various schools of philosophical thought and academic domains over the centuries. Here are some of the areas where Aquinas’ ideas have had the most significant impact:
- Scholasticism: Aquinas is considered the most prominent figure of the Scholastic school of philosophy, which sought to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. His works, particularly the Summa Theologica, became the foundation of Scholastic thought and methodology.
- Catholic Theology: Aquinas’ synthesis of faith and reason, his proofs for the existence of God, and his exploration of theological concepts like the nature of God and the soul have profoundly influenced Catholic theology and doctrine.
- Natural Law Theory: Aquinas’ theory of natural law, which asserts that human beings can discern objective moral truths from the natural order, has been highly influential in legal philosophy, political theory, and ethics.
- Virtue Ethics: Aquinas’ virtue ethics, drawing from Aristotle but incorporating Christian virtues, has been a significant contribution to moral philosophy and has influenced later thinkers in this field.
- Metaphysics: Aquinas’ metaphysical views, particularly his hylomorphic theory of human nature (the unity of body and soul) and his arguments for the existence of God, have shaped debates in metaphysics and philosophy of mind.
- Epistemology: Aquinas’ ideas on the relationship between faith and reason, the role of human intellect in understanding the divine, and his theory of analogy have impacted epistemological discussions.
- Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy: Aquinas’ towering influence on medieval philosophy is undeniable, and his ideas also paved the way for the philosophical developments of the Renaissance period.
- Christian Philosophy: Beyond Catholicism, Aquinas’ philosophy has influenced various other Christian traditions and their theological and philosophical perspectives.
While Aquinas’ influence has been most prominent in the realms of Catholic theology, natural law theory, virtue ethics, and medieval philosophy, his ideas have also had a significant impact on modern philosophy, particularly in the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.
Create a 7-item quiz on the entire thread above.
Quiz on Thomas Aquinas’ Philosophy
- What philosophical method is Thomas Aquinas best known for?
- Name two of the five proofs of God’s existence proposed by Aquinas.
- What concept did Aquinas develop that asserts morality is determined by nature and reason?
- Which mentor significantly influenced Aquinas’ philosophical education?
- What is the name of Aquinas’ most famous work?
- How does Aquinas’ doctrine of double effect justify actions that have both good and bad outcomes?
- What role did the Dominican Order play in Aquinas’ philosophical development?
Answers
- Scholasticism
- The argument from motion and the argument from causation
- Natural Law
- Albertus Magnus
- Summa Theologica
- It is morally permissible if the action itself is good or neutral, the good effect is not achieved by means of the bad effect, and there is a sufficiently grave reason for permitting the bad effect.
- The Dominican Order provided Aquinas with an educational framework and resources dedicated to theological scholarship and academic inquiry.
Aquinas Quiz
- What is one of Aquinas’ most significant contributions to philosophy, where he argued that faith and reason could coexist and even strengthen each other?
- Name one of Aquinas’ famous arguments for the existence of God, which uses reason to demonstrate the necessity of a first cause.
- Aquinas’ theory of natural law proposes that there are universal moral principles knowable through what?
- Virtue ethics, which emphasizes developing good character traits, is one of Aquinas’ contributions to which area of philosophy?
- What is the name of Aquinas’ monumental work that meticulously addressed a vast range of philosophical and theological topics?
- Aquinas’ philosophy on the soul argued that it is the ________________ of the human body.
- Within Christian theology, Aquinas’ work is particularly influential in what denomination?
Answers:
- Synthesis of Faith and Reason
- Five Ways
- Reason
- Ethics
- Summa Theologica
- Substantial Form
- Catholic
7-Item Quiz on Thomas Aquinas’ Influence on Philosophy
- What was Aquinas’ primary contribution to reconciling faith and reason?
- Which of Aquinas’ theories addressed self-evident moral truths derived from the natural order?
- Name one of Aquinas’ arguments for the existence of God discussed in the thread.
- Which philosophical theory did Aquinas develop to explain how human language can describe God?
- Aquinas’ ideas on the justification and conduct of war contributed to which ethical theory?
- According to Aquinas, what is the highest human good that virtue ethics aims to attain?
- Which philosophical school or tradition did Aquinas play a central role in establishing?
Answers:
- Synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology
- Theory of Natural Law
- The cosmological argument from motion OR the teleological argument from design
- Theory of Analogy
- Just War Theory
- Union with God
- Scholasticism
Provide 12 discussion questions relevant to the content above.
Discussion Questions on Thomas Aquinas’ Philosophy
- How do Aquinas’ five ways of proving the existence of God reflect the intersection of faith and reason?
- In what ways does Aquinas’ concept of natural law challenge or support contemporary moral and legal systems?
- Discuss the impact of the Dominican Order on the intellectual development of Aquinas. How might his contributions to philosophy have differed without this influence?
- How has Aquinas’ integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine influenced modern theological debates?
- Examine the relevance of Aquinas’ doctrine of double effect in today’s ethical discussions, particularly in medical ethics.
- How do Aquinas’ ideas on just war theory apply to modern international conflicts?
- Explore the significance of Aquinas being a student of Albertus Magnus. How did this mentorship shape his philosophical outlook?
- Discuss the implications of Aquinas’ distinctions between essence and existence for metaphysical debates.
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of Aquinas’ proofs for the existence of God from a contemporary philosophical standpoint?
- How does Aquinas’ virtue ethics compare to other ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism or Kantian ethics?
- Analyze the role of the Scholastic method in Aquinas’ ability to articulate and defend his philosophical ideas. How effective is this method in today’s academic environment?
- Consider the lasting impact of Aquinas’ writings on the development of Western philosophy. Which of his concepts remain most influential today?
- Do you think it’s always possible to reconcile faith and reason? Why or why not? How does Aquinas’ approach to this issue compare to other ways of thinking about it?
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Aquinas’ “Five Ways” arguments for the existence of God. Are there other philosophical arguments for God’s existence that you find more convincing?
- Can there be universal moral principles? How does Aquinas’ natural law theory compare to other ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism or deontology?
- Virtue ethics seems to focus on individual character development. How does this approach to ethics address broader societal issues?
- The Summa Theologica is a massive work. Why do you think such a comprehensive approach to philosophy and theology was important in Aquinas’ time? Is such an approach still relevant today?
- How does the concept of the soul as the substantial form of the body differ from modern understandings of the mind-body relationship?
- Aquinas was a Christian philosopher, but his ideas have influenced many thinkers outside of Christianity. What aspects of his philosophy might be relevant to people of other faiths or no faith at all?
- Can any potential limitations be identified in Aquinas’ philosophical approach? For example, how does his reliance on Aristotelian thought potentially limit his perspective?
- How did the historical and cultural context of the Middle Ages shape the development of Aquinas’ philosophy? Would his ideas have been different in another era?
- The concept of natural law is often used in legal and political discussions. How can understanding Aquinas’ theory be helpful in these contexts?
- Aquinas’ philosophy has been criticized for being too rigid or dogmatic. Do you think this criticism is fair? How can his ideas be used in a way that is open to new perspectives and ongoing dialogue?
- What are some of the most important questions that remain unanswered by Aquinas’ philosophy? What are the continuing challenges and opportunities for philosophical inquiry in the areas he addressed?
Here are 12 discussion questions relevant to the content on Thomas Aquinas’ influence on philosophy:
- How did Aquinas’ background as a Dominican friar shape his approach to reconciling faith and reason?
- What role did Aquinas’ theory of analogy play in Christian theological discourse, and how is it still relevant today?
- Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Aquinas’ five proofs for the existence of God. Which argument do you find most compelling, and why?
- In what ways did Aquinas’ natural law theory influence later political philosophers and the development of human rights?
- How did Aquinas’ virtue ethics differ from Aristotle’s, and what were the implications of incorporating Christian virtues?
- Evaluate the criteria Aquinas set forth for a “just war.” How applicable are these principles in modern warfare and conflicts?
- Aquinas argued for the unity of body and soul through his hylomorphic theory. How does this relate to contemporary debates on the mind-body problem?
- What were the key factors that allowed Aquinas’ ideas to become so widely influential and disseminated across Europe?
- How did Aquinas’ philosophy contribute to the development of Scholasticism, and what were the strengths and limitations of this school of thought?
- In what ways did Aquinas’ synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy and Christian theology pave the way for future philosophical developments during the Renaissance?
- Discuss the impact of Aquinas’ ideas on Catholic theology and doctrine, particularly regarding the nature of God and the soul.
- How might Aquinas’ approach to reconciling faith and reason be applied to contemporary debates surrounding science and religion?
Table of Contents: (Click any link below to navigate to that section.)
- Provide a short paragraph explaining Thomas Aquinas’ influence on philosophy.
- Provide an annotated list of Aquinas’ 7 greatest contributions to philosophy.
- Provide the most likely causes behind Aquinas becoming a notable philosopher.
- Which schools of philosophical thought and academic domains has the philosophy of Aquinas most influenced?
- Create a 7-item quiz on the entire thread above.
- Provide 12 discussion questions relevant to the content above.
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