St.

Thomas Aquinas
Explore the life, philosophy, and contributions of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the
most influential theologians and philosophers of the Middle Ages.

AV by Alexis Viernes
Early Life of St. Thomas Aquinas
Born in Italy Monastic Education Aristotelian Influence

St. Thomas Aquinas was
born in 1225 in Roccasecca,
Italy, into the noble Aquino
family.
At the age of 5, he was sent
to a Benedictine monastery
where he received his early
education.
Aquinas was greatly
influenced by the works of
Aristotle, which shaped his
philosophical and
theological thinking.
Education and Influences

University Studies Inspiration from Islamic Mentorship of Albertus

Aquinas studied at the
University of Naples and the
University of Paris, where he
delved deeper into philosophy
and theology.
Scholars
Through Islamic scholars like
Averroes and Avicenna, Aquinas
discovered the works of
Aristotle, which had a profound
impact on his intellectual
journey.
Magnus
During his time at the University
of Paris, Aquinas studied under
the famous theologian Albertus
Magnus, who recognized his
intellectual potential.

Scholasticism

Aquinas embraced the

scholastic method, blending
faith and reason to explore
theological and philosophical
concepts.
Philosophy and Theology
1 Natural Theology

Aquinas developed the "Five Ways" to prove the existence of God, blending Aristotelian
principles with Christian doctrine.

2 Substance and Essence

His concept of substance and essence laid the foundation for understanding the nature of
beings and their purpose in the divine plan.

3 Just War Theory

Aquinas addressed the ethical complexities of warfare, introducing the concept of "just war"
based on moral principles.
Major Works and Contributions
Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle
Aquinas's synthesis of Aristotelian
philosophy with Christian theology
revolutionized Western thought and
influenced generations of scholars.
1 Summa Theologica
Aquinas's magnum opus, the Summa
Theologica, tackled a wide range of
2 theological and philosophical
questions, laying the groundwork for
Catholic theology.
3 Doctrinal Influence
Aquinas's writings greatly influenced
Catholic doctrine, contributing to the
development of concepts such as
transubstantiation and sacramental
theology.
Legacy of St. Thomas Aquinas
Elevated to Sainthood
Aquinas was canonized as a
saint in 1323, recognizing his
significant contributions to the
Catholic Church and Western
intellectual tradition.
Aquinas and Catholic
Education
His philosophical and
theological works continue to
shape the curriculum of Catholic
universities, emphasizing the
harmony of faith and reason.
Influence on Modern
Philosophy
Aquinas's ideas on divine
illumination and the relationship
between faith and reason still
resonate in contemporary
philosophical debates.
Criticism and Controversies
Conflict with
Averroists
Aquinas faced opposition from
Averroists who believed in a
separation of secular
philosophy and religious
doctrine.
Religious Authority
Some criticized Aquinas for his
integration of Aristotelian
philosophy with theology,
questioning the role of reason
in matters of faith.
Wealth and Poverty
Aquinas's views on private
property and wealth
distribution continue to be
debated, with interpretations
ranging from socialist to
capitalist.
Conclusion
1 A Pillar of Scholasticism

St. Thomas Aquinas's remarkable intellectual contributions and synthesis of philosophy and
theology shaped medieval thought and continue to inspire scholars today.

2 Legacy of Aquinas

His influential works on ethics, metaphysics, and political philosophy remain relevant in
contemporary discussions of morality, rationality, and faith.