Thomism

=Thomism=

St. Thomas Aquinas

Thomism is a philosophical school that was started based on the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. Many of its central ideas are outlined his his main work, [|Summa Theolgiae].

Main Tenants of Thomism
-Philosophical Realism

Aquinas believed that humans were composed of two parts: "prime matter" and "substantial form." The prime matter of humans is our body, and the substantial form is our soul. The soul is therefore not made of matter. Our souls are unique; there can be no two angels or humans that bear the same substantial form, or soul.

-Moral Objectivism

The nature of the universe and essences of objects do not depend on the free will of God, but on His intellect, and ultimately on His essence, which is unchanging. The natural law, springing from the mind of God, is therefore immutable. Consequently, immoral acts are immoral not simply because God forbids them, but because they are inherently immoral.

-Teleology

the universe is guided by principles, purpose, and design beyond the universe itself; specifically, the principles and design of God.

-Free Will

Decisions are made by the interaction of the will and the intellect; the will presents objects to the intellect, and the intellect directs the will. Acts begin with the apprehension of the good in general by the intellect. We desire happiness naturally and necessarily, and not by free will; however, we choose particular goods freely. The will is a blind faculty, always following the past determination of the intellect.


 * Definitions taken from Wikipedia

Questions
1. What elements of Thomism to you see that have carried over to today?

Answer

2.Do you think that Thomism during the rennaisance has improved todays culture or not?

Back