Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

1225 — 1274

Italy Medieval Scholasticism, Thomism

Biography

Thomas Aquinas was the greatest scholastic philosopher, combining Christian theology with Aristotelian philosophy. He is called the 'Angelic Doctor.'

He developed five proofs of God's existence based on observation of the world. His system encompasses all areas of philosophy and theology.

'Summa Theologica' — Thomas's main work — became the foundation of Catholic philosophy and is still taught in seminaries today.

Key Ideas

  • Five proofs of God's existence
  • Harmony of faith and reason
  • Natural law
  • Analogy of being
  • Beatitude as contemplation of God

Works

  • Summa Theologica (1274)

    Systematic exposition of theology

  • Summa contra Gentiles

    Apologetic treatise