St. Thomas Aquinas and His Philosophy
The Synthesis of Faith and Reason in Christian Thought
by: Ulysses Ybiernas | July 7, 2017
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) was a medieval philosopher and theologian whose work remains a cornerstone of Christian philosophy. A member of the Dominican Order, Aquinas sought to reconcile reason with faith, and Aristotle's philosophy with Christian doctrine. His monumental contributions continue to influence theology, metaphysics, ethics, and natural law theory.
Faith and Reason: A Harmonious Relationship
Aquinas believed that both faith and reason lead to truth because they ultimately originate from God. In contrast to the idea that philosophy and theology are in conflict, Aquinas maintained that reason can support and clarify faith, but faith reveals truths beyond human understanding.
“Grace does not destroy nature, but perfects it.”
This harmony between natural and divine truth underpins much of his philosophy.
The Five Ways: Arguments for God’s Existence
In his work Summa Theologica, Aquinas presents five rational proofs for the existence of God, known as the Five Ways:
- The Argument from Motion - Everything in motion is moved by something else.
- The Argument from Causation - Every effect has a cause, leading to a first cause.
- The Argument from Contingency - Contingent beings require a necessary being.
- The Argument from Degree - Varying degrees of goodness imply an ultimate standard.
- The Argument from Design - The order in nature implies an intelligent designer.
These arguments use logic and observation to affirm God's existence, building upon Aristotelian metaphysics.
Natural Law and Ethics
Aquinas developed a comprehensive theory of natural law, asserting that moral law is rooted in human nature and discoverable by reason. According to him, the purpose of human life is to pursue the good, ultimately culminating in union with God.
He distinguished four types of law: eternal law (God's will), natural law (human reason's participation in eternal law), human law (civil laws), and divine law (revelation).
“The good is to be done and pursued, and evil is to be avoided.”
Human Nature and the Soul
Aquinas adopted Aristotle’s hylomorphic view of the human being, body and soul as one unified substance. He argued that the soul is the form of the body and is immortal. The soul's faculties, intellect and will,enable human beings to know truth and choose the good.
Unlike Plato’s dualism, Aquinas emphasized the unity and dignity of the human person as a rational, embodied soul.
The Legacy of Thomism
St. Thomas Aquinas’ philosophy, known as Thomism, was made the official philosophy of the Catholic Church and remains central to Catholic theology. His synthesis of classical philosophy and Christian theology provided a foundation for later philosophical and theological development throughout the Middle Ages and beyond.
Modern thinkers continue to engage with Aquinas on topics such as natural law, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy.
Conclusion
St. Thomas Aquinas stands as a bridge between faith and reason, between classical philosophy and Christian doctrine. His thought offers a model of intellectual rigor and spiritual depth, demonstrating that philosophy and theology can work hand in hand in the pursuit of truth.