Class Notes on Aquinas (A)

(Originally written November 29, 2006 in Book 7)

History of Philosophy Notes I

Thomas Aquinas
-1225 - 1274
-Born in Monte Casino
-Studied at the Universities of Paris and Cologne
-Studied under Albert the Great
-Studied the newly rediscovered Aristotelian works
-Embraced a separative approach to faith and reason
-Embraced an empiricist approach to epistemology

Historical developments that set the stage for 13th century philosophy:

1) European recovery of Aristotle's works (12th century)
2) Emergence of the University
-Three major ones
A) Salerno - Medicine
B) Paris - Theology
C) Bologna - Law
Medieval Education (classical)
-Trivium: Grammar, logic, rhetoric
-Quadrivium: Math, astronomy, music, geometry
3) Mendicant Orders
-Dominicans
-Franciscans

Thomas Aquinas was concerned with reconciling theology and classical Greek thought, especially Aristotle. He wanted to synthesize, systematize and create a sound philosophical/theological theory.

The relationship between philosophy and theology according to Aquinas: faith and reason were separate realms.

Revealed Theology: special revelation and knowledge of God via the Bible
Natural Theology: knowledge of God via reason and experience.

Natural theology confirms revealed theology.

Theistic proofs: 'Five Ways'
3 cosmological arguments
1 argument from perfection
1 teleological argument

1) the argument from motion
2) the argument from efficient cause
3) the argument from necessary being
4) the argument from perfection
5) the argument from order - all things act from an end (Telic cause)

Attributes of God

God is a single, unitary spirit who is unified by the fact that God is one with his essence ('one of a kind')

He is His only category

He has no accidental or incidental qualities

Doctrine of divine simplicity, he is indivisible, unchanging, immutable

God is omnipotent - the ability to do anything that is logically possible