THOMAS AQUINAS

A good teacher will make the difference between learning by discovery and learning by instruction as narrow as possible. In other words he will assist his students in their learning so that their experience will seem to them a discovery. Some great teachers really have this gift. Their classes are so good that youre constantly finding out new things and getting excited about them. The challenge and the enthusiasm of learning are kept alive by the evident love that these men have for their subject. The teachers cannot but communicate to their students who come out of the classroom with a desire to learn more.The St. Thomas teachers role is that of a physician ministering to a man brought down by an infection. In many such cases, if the patient went unattended, his body would mobilize its restorative forces and eventually heal itself. The art of the teacher is like that of this internist, since all the teacher can hope to do is to strengthen the students resources and facilitate their exercise. The import of the analogy is clear enough whether it is medically accurate or not. Whenever true learning occurs, its principal cause is the learner himself. In St. Thomass terminology the teacher is called a secondary and instrumental cause ?helpful but not indispensable. He cannot transfer his own knowledge to the student but only help him achieve similar learning for himself.We see that we are far removed from the modern conception of teaching where the teacher exclusively relies on artificial means (workbooks and other devices) and slowly loses sight of his true function: to stimulate the living mind of the student, to guide the development of his intellect. The emphasis on "measuring" education with grades obtained through tests is partly a result of this false philosophy. Knowledge according to St. Thomas is a quality of the living mind and not a quantity of memorized informationIt is the teachers job to provide the student with a good understanding of the first principles of matters. He will also help the student to sharpen his skill in solving problems by explaining to him the basic process when the pupil has a difficulty, he will give him examples, comparisons, schemas etc.which will be so many "pointers" leading the pupil to grasp this or that particular truth. When you are in front of a wall too high for you to leap, you may need the assistance of someone to point out a ladder which you had not seen. The teachers art consists in employing language so skillfully that his student will go beyond the words to the realities they signify.

Translator: Fathers of the English Dominican Province

Translator: Fathers of the English Dominican Province

"Summa Theologica," composed by the eminent theologian Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century, stands as a monumental synthesis of Christian theology and philosophy. Written in a systematic and methodical style, this comprehensive work addresses fundamental questions regarding God, morality, and human existence, employing a dialectical approach that combines Aristotelian logic with Christian doctrine. The text is divided into three main parts, meticulously exploring topics such as the nature of God, the moral life, and the sacraments, making it not only an intellectual cornerstone of scholastic thought but also an essential guide for understanding the interplay between faith and reason. Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar and philosopher, was profoundly influenced by the theological currents of his era, particularly the reconciliation of faith with the burgeoning philosophy of the ancient Greeks. His extensive education, including studies at the University of Naples and Paris, equipped him with the tools to engage rigorously with philosophical questions, leading him to pen this seminal work. Aquinass background in both theology and philosophy allowed him to articulate a vision of a unified truth, reconciling competing ideas within Christianity and the surrounding intellectual culture. "Summa Theologica" is invaluable for scholars and lay readers alike, offering insights into the nature of faith, ethics, and the quest for truth. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to address existential questions that continue to resonate today. Delve into Aquinass profound reflections that have shaped centuries of thought and remain pivotal in contemporary discussions on theology and philosophy.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

In "Summa Theologica," Thomas Aquinas meticulously explores the intersections of faith and reason, producing a compendium of Christian theology that remains foundational to Western philosophy. Written in a systematic question-and-answer format, the work addresses the nature of God, the moral implications of human actions, and the mysteries of salvation. Aquinas employs logic and Aristotelian philosophy to articulate concepts of natural law and ethics, making profound contributions to scholasticism during the 13th century, a period marked by intellectual revival and theological inquiry within the Church. Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar and theologian, aimed to resolve the tension between faith and philosophical reasoning in his era, characterized by growing interest in Aristotelian thought. His academic journey, from the University of Naples to his time in Paris, profoundly shaped his understanding of metaphysics and ethics. Influenced by spiritual mentors and his own contemplative experiences, Aquinas sought to present a comprehensive theological framework that could serve both the academic realm and the devout believer. "Summa Theologica" is an indispensable text for anyone seeking to grasp the philosophical underpinnings of Christian theology and moral philosophy. Its rigorous approach to theological inquiry invites readers to engage deeply with crucial questions concerning existence, purpose, and divine law, making it essential reading for scholars and laypersons alike.

In his monumental work, "Summa Theologica," Thomas Aquinas systematically addresses the fundamental questions of Christian theology using a method that marries Aristotelian philosophy with ecclesiastical doctrine. The text is structured as a comprehensive guide, encompassing the nature of God, the ethical life of humans, and the sacraments, all expressed through rigorous dialectical reasoning. Aquinass literary style is both accessible and profound, employing a clear exposition of complex theological concepts, making it a cornerstone of scholasticism. The work stands as a vitrine of medieval intellectual thought and reflects the eras attempts to harmonize faith and reason. Aquinas, a thirteenth-century Dominican friar and philosopher, was deeply influenced by the intellectual currents of his time, particularly the resurgence of Aristotelian thought. His commitment to understanding faith through reason led him to pen this comprehensive treatise, not only to clarify theological concepts but also to engage with the challenges posed by contemporary philosophical inquiries. His scholarly background and extensive engagement with scripture shape the rich theological insights presented in the "Summa.""Summa Theologica" is an essential read for anyone interested in the foundations of Christian theology and philosophy. Its thorough exploration of moral and divine principles provides invaluable insights for theological students, philosophers, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the intersection between faith and reason.

The Summa Theologi (written 12651274 and also known as the Summa Theologica or simply the Summa) is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (c. 12251274). Although unfinished, the Summa is "one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature." It was intended as an instructional guide for theology students, including seminarians and the literate laity. It was a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Catholic Church. It presents the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The Summas topics follow a cycle: the existence of God; Creation, Man; Mans purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God.

Translator: Fathers of the English Dominican Province

In his reflections on Christianity, Saint Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-74) forged a unique synthesis of ancient philosophy and medieval theology. Preoccupied with the relationship between faith and reason, he was influenced both by Aristotle's rational world view, and by the powerful belief that wisdom and truth can ultimately only be reached through divine revelation. Thomas's writings, which contain highly influential statements of fundamental Christian doctrine, as well as observations on topics as diverse as political science, anti-Semitism and heresy, demonstrate the great range of his intellect and place him firmly among the greatest medieval philosophers.

Summa Theologica by Thomas AquinasA monumental theological work systematically exploring Christian doctrine. Aquinas addresses topics such as the nature of God, morality, sin, and salvation using philosophical reasoning, blending faith and logic in a comprehensive guide to medieval Christian theology.

Thomas Aquinass monumental work, the Summa Theologica, is a comprehensive overview of Christian theology and philosophy that combines the teachings of the Church Fathers with Aristotelian philosophy. Written in the 13th century, this work is structured as a series of questions and answers, covering various topics such as the existence of God, the nature of the soul, and the purpose of human life. Aquinass writing style is systematic and logical, making complex theological concepts accessible to readers. The Summa Theologica is a prime example of Scholasticism, a medieval school of philosophy that sought to reconcile faith and reason. This work serves as a foundational text in the history of Western philosophy and theology. Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar and theologian, wrote the Summa Theologica as a guide for theological students and a defense of Christian doctrine. Drawing on his vast knowledge of classical and medieval philosophy, Aquinas presents a coherent and logical argument for the existence of God and the nature of the universe. His work continues to be studied and revered by theologians, philosophers, and scholars to this day. I highly recommend the Summa Theologica to anyone interested in delving deep into the philosophical and theological underpinnings of Christianity, as well as those seeking a better understanding of the medieval intellectual tradition.

Summa Theologica Part I (Prima Pars) Thomas Aquinas - The Summa Theologiae (Latin: Compendium of Theology or Theological Compendium; also subsequently called the Summa Theologica or simply the Summa, written 1265-1274) is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-1274), and although unfinished, "one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature." It is intended as a manual for beginners in theology and a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Church. It presents the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The Summas topics follow a cycle: the existence of God; Creation, Man; Mans purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God. (courtesy of wikipedia.com).This is part 1, Prima Pars.Aquinass greatest work was the Summa, and it is the fullest presentation of his views. He worked on it from the time of Clement IV (after 1265) until the end of his life. When he died, he had reached Question 90 of Part III (on the subject of penance). What was lacking was added afterwards from the fourth book of his commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard as a supplementum, which is not found in manuscripts of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The Summa was translated into Greek (apparently by Maximus Planudes around 1327), Armenian, many European languages, and Chinese.It consists of three parts. Part I treats of God, who is the "first cause, himself uncaused" (primum movens immobile) and as such existent only in act (actu) - that is, pure actuality without potentiality, and therefore without corporeality. His essence is actus purus et perfectus. This follows from the fivefold proof for the existence of God; namely, there must be a first mover, unmoved, a first cause in the chain of causes, an absolutely necessary being, an absolutely perfect being, and a rational designer.

Summa Theologica Part III (Tertia Pars) Thomas Aquinas - The Summa Theologiae (Latin: Compendium of Theology or Theological Compendium; also subsequently called the Summa Theologica or simply the Summa, written 1265-1274) is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-1274), and although unfinished, "one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature." It is intended as a manual for beginners in theology and a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Church. It presents the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The Summas topics follow a cycle: the existence of God; Creation, Man; Mans purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God. (courtesy of wikipedia.com).This is part 3, Tertia Pars.The way which leads to God is Christ, the theme of part III. It can be asserted that the incarnation was absolutely necessary. The Unio between the Logos and the human nature is a "relation" between the divine and the human nature which comes about by both natures being brought together in the one person of the Logos. An incarnation can be spoken of only in the sense that the human nature began to be in the eternal hypostasis of the divine nature. So Christ is unum since his human nature lacks the hypostasis. The person of the Logos, accordingly, has assumed the impersonal human nature, and in such way that the assumption of the soul became the means for the assumption of the body. This union with the human soul is the gratia unionis which leads to the impartation of the gratia habitualis from the Logos to the human nature. Thereby all human potentialities are made perfect in Jesus. Besides the perfections given by the vision of God, which Jesus enjoyed from the beginning, he receives all others by the gratia habitualis.

Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Thomas Aquinas - The Summa Theologiae (Latin: Compendium of Theology or Theological Compendium; also subsequently called the Summa Theologica or simply the Summa, written 1265-1274) is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-1274), and although unfinished, "one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature." It is intended as a manual for beginners in theology and a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Church. It presents the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The Summas topics follow a cycle: the existence of God; Creation, Man; Mans purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God. (courtesy of wikipedia.com).This is part 2-2, Secunda Secundae.In a chain of acts of will, man strives for the highest end. They are free acts, insofar as man has in himself the knowledge of their end (and therein the principle of action). In that the will wills the end, it wills also the appropriate means, chooses freely and completes the consensus. Whether the act be good or evil depends on the end. The "human reason" pronounces judgment concerning the character of the end; it is, therefore, the law for action. Human acts, however, are meritorious insofar as they promote the purpose of God and his honor.By repeating a good action, man acquires a moral habit or a quality which enables him to do the good gladly and easily. This is true, however, only of the intellectual and moral virtues (which Aquinas treats after the manner of Aristotle); the theological virtues are imparted by God to man as a "disposition", from which the acts here proceed; while they strengthen, they do not form it. The "disposition" of evil is the opposite alternative. An act becomes evil through deviation from the reason, and from divine moral law.

Summa Theologica Part I-II (Pars Prima Secundae) Thomas Aquinas - The Summa Theologiae (Latin: Compendium of Theology or Theological Compendium; also subsequently called the Summa Theologica or simply the Summa, written 1265-1274) is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (c.1225-1274), and although unfinished, "one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature." It is intended as a manual for beginners in theology and a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Church. It presents the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The Summas topics follow a cycle: the existence of God; Creation, Man; Mans purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God. (courtesy of wikipedia.com).This is part 1-2, Pars Prima Secundae.In a chain of acts of will, man strives for the highest end. They are free acts, insofar as man has in himself the knowledge of their end (and therein the principle of action). In that the will wills the end, it wills also the appropriate means, chooses freely and completes the consensus. Whether the act be good or evil depends on the end. The "human reason" pronounces judgment concerning the character of the end; it is, therefore, the law for action. Human acts, however, are meritorious insofar as they promote the purpose of God and his honor.By repeating a good action, man acquires a moral habit or a quality which enables him to do the good gladly and easily. This is true, however, only of the intellectual and moral virtues (which Aquinas treats after the manner of Aristotle); the theological virtues are imparted by God to man as a "disposition", from which the acts here proceed; while they strengthen, they do not form it. The "disposition" of evil is the opposite alternative. An act becomes evil through deviation from the reason, and from divine moral law.

In this profound treatise, Saint Thomas Aquinas delves into the intricate relationship between law and grace, exploring their nature, purpose, and interplay. With meticulous precision, he examines the eternal law, natural law, human law, and divine law, illuminating their origins, characteristics, and binding force. Aquinas masterfully weaves together philosophical and theological insights, providing a comprehensive understanding of the moral and spiritual dimensions of human existence. This unabridged edition offers a timeless exploration of the fundamental principles that govern our actions and guide us towards the ultimate good.

In this profound treatise, Saint Thomas Aquinas delves into the nature of gratuitous graces and the various states of life. With meticulous precision, he explores the role of grace in human salvation, examining its effects on our intellect, will, and emotions. Aquinas also provides a comprehensive analysis of the different vocations and states of life, offering guidance on how to discern and fulfill ones calling. This unabridged edition presents the complete text of Aquinass Summa Theologica, 12 Pars Secunda Secundae, providing a timeless resource for spiritual seekers and scholars alike.

In this profound treatise, Saint Thomas Aquinas delves into the nature of human action and its ultimate purpose. With meticulous precision, he explores the concepts of the last end, the good, and the virtues that guide our choices. Through his incisive analysis, Aquinas illuminates the path to a life of fulfillment and eternal happiness, offering timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of human existence.

In this profound treatise, Saint Thomas Aquinas delves into the nature of habits, virtues, and vices, illuminating their profound impact on human conduct. With meticulous precision, he explores the formation, development, and classification of habits, unraveling their influence on our actions and character. Aquinas masterfully analyzes the cardinal and theological virtues, providing a comprehensive understanding of their essential qualities and their role in shaping a virtuous life. Conversely, he examines the nature of vices, exposing their destructive effects and offering guidance for overcoming their insidious grip. This timeless work remains an invaluable resource for those seeking to cultivate a life of virtue and moral excellence.