Thomas Aquinas(1225 — 1274)
Thomas Aquinas
royaume de Sicile, États pontificaux
8 min read
A Dominican theologian and philosopher of the 13th century, Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest figures of medieval scholasticism. Author of the Summa Theologica, he sought to reconcile Aristotelian reason with Christian faith, and was declared a Doctor of the Church.
Frequently asked questions
Famous Quotes
« Reason is the way of faith, in a certain sense. »
« Being is the first thing that falls under the apprehension of the intellect. »
Key Facts
- 1225: Born in Aquino, in southern Italy
- 1244: Joins the Dominicans and begins his theological studies
- 1256: Becomes Master of Theology in Paris
- 1265–1274: Writes the Summa Theologica, his major work
- 1274: Dies at the Abbey of Fossanova on March 7
Works & Achievements
His major masterpiece, a systematic synthesis of Christian theology in three parts. This monumental work reconciles Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine and remains foundational in Catholic theology.
An apologetic treatise aimed at defending the Christian faith against the objections of non-Christians. Thomas rationally demonstrates the existence of God and the fundamental truths of Christianity.
A major theological commentary on this foundational text of the Middle Ages. This early work established Thomas Aquinas as an orthodox and original thinker within the Scholastic tradition.
A collection of in-depth theological debates in which Thomas examines complex questions using the dialectical method. These texts reflect the university discussions of his era.
A masterful interpretation of Aristotelian moral philosophy adapted to a Christian perspective. Thomas brings together Greek virtue and theological grace.
A detailed commentary applying Aristotelian metaphysics to the Christian understanding of the human soul and its relationship to the body.
Five philosophical arguments for proving the existence of God, presented in the Summa Theologiae. These rational proofs became the foundation of Thomistic natural theology.
Anecdotes
Thomas Aquinas was so absorbed in his studies and reflections that he often forgot to eat. His fellow Dominicans regularly had to call him to the table for meals. This extreme focus on intellectual work became legendary at his convents in Naples and Paris.
During his studies at the University of Paris, Thomas Aquinas was so quiet and reserved that his classmates nicknamed him 'the dumb ox.' His teacher Albert the Great reportedly declared: 'This ox will bellow so loudly that his bellowing will fill the whole world' — a prophecy of the immense influence Aquinas would come to have.
Thomas Aquinas wrote the Summa Theologica, a monumental work of over 3,000 pages, in just a few years. He would dictate his thoughts to several secretaries simultaneously, working with remarkable productivity despite the challenging conditions of 13th-century life.
In 1274, while traveling to the Council of Lyon convened by the pope, Thomas Aquinas stopped at the monastery of Fossanova, where he died on March 7 at only 49 years old. His final words are said to have been about the Eucharist — the heart of his theological reflection.
Thomas Aquinas built his philosophical synthesis by drawing heavily on Aristotle, whose works had only recently been rediscovered in the West during the 13th century. This groundbreaking approach drew criticism from some Church circles, who viewed Aristotle as a pagan author incompatible with the Christian faith.
Primary Sources
Utrum Deus sit? Videtur quod Deus non sit... Sed contra est quod dicitur in Exodo nomine Domini: Ego sum qui sum. Respondeo dicendum quod Deus est.
Cum sit nostrum principale intentio veritatem quam fides profitetur, manifestare... oportet ut ostendamus quod ea quae fidei sunt contraria, falsa esse omnino.
Magister in sententiis dicit quod virtus est dispositio animae, per quam homo bene vivitur.
Omnis homo naturaliter desiderat scire... Et ideo Philosophus in principio Metaphysicae dicit quod omnes homines naturaliter scire desiderant.
Utrum virtus sit una vel plures? Et videtur quod sit una tantum, quia omnis virtus consistit in medio rationis.
Key Places
A hilltop fortress near Aquino in southern Italy, birthplace of Thomas Aquinas in 1225. This small feudal stronghold is the cradle of the future great Dominican theologian.
Founded in 1224, this institution is where Thomas Aquinas studied before joining the Dominican order. This southern Italian university shaped his earliest years of intellectual formation.
The leading medieval university where Thomas Aquinas taught theology from 1252. The Parisian Sorbonne was the central stage of his academic career and the crucible of his scholastic thought.
The great English university where Thomas Aquinas likely taught and spread his Aristotelian thinking. This major intellectual hub of the medieval world contributed to the dissemination of his theology.
The headquarters of the Dominican order, where Thomas Aquinas lived and worked. This Roman monastery was an important site of his commitment to the Order of Preachers.
A place of canonization and veneration of Thomas Aquinas following his death in 1274. Declared a saint in 1323, he was named a Doctor of the Church and became one of the most important figures in Christian theology.
Liens externes & ressources
Références
Œuvres
Summa Theologiae (Somme théologique)
1265–1274
Summa contra Gentiles
1259–1265
Commentaire sur les Sentences de Pierre Lombard
1252–1256
De ente et essentia (De l'être et de l'essence)
vers 1252
Commentaires des œuvres d'Aristote
1261–1272
Quaestiones disputatae de veritate
1256–1259
De regno (Du gouvernement royal)
vers 1265
