Philosopher and Theologian

Saint Thomas Aquinas | Biography

Influential philosophers and theologians

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 03, 2025

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Who is Saint Thomas Aquinas?

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a seminal figure in medieval Scholasticism, known for his remarkable ability to meld theological principles of faith with philosophical constructs of reason. Born circa 1225 in Roccasecca, Italy, he hailed from a noble family and was the youngest of nine siblings. His early education began at the Abbey of Monte Cassino, followed by studies at the University of Naples, where he developed a keen interest in Aristotle's philosophy. This intellectual journey ultimately led him to join the Order of Friars Preachers, defying his family's wishes and shaping his legacy as "The Universal Teacher."

Aquinas's contributions to theology and philosophy are immense, with his most notable works including the "Summa Theologica" and "Summa Contra Gentiles." He adeptly addressed the tension between faith and reason, positing that both types of knowledge originate from God and can coexist harmoniously. His arguments for the existence of God through observation of movement, causality, and perfection have shaped numerous philosophical discussions. Saint Thomas Aquinas’s teachings not only reinforced the foundations of Catholic doctrine but also influenced an entire era of intellectual thought, making him a pivotal figure in both religious and secular spheres.

Early Life and Education

Saint Thomas Aquinas was born circa 1225 in Roccasecca, Italy, into a noble family. He was the youngest of nine siblings, with his father being Landulph, Count of Aquino, and his mother, Theodora, a countess. Early predictions foretold that Thomas would achieve great learning and sanctity; thus, at the tender age of five, he began his education at the Abbey of Monte Cassino, where he was immersed in a monastic environment. His childhood curiosity shone through as he frequently inquired about the nature of God, indicating a profound early interest in theological concepts.

At the age of 13, Aquinas returned to Naples due to political unrest and continued his studies at a Benedictine house affiliated with the University of Naples. It was during this time that he became fascinated by Aristotle's philosophy, which significantly influenced his later works. By 1239, he enrolled at the University of Naples and, in 1243, secretly joined the Dominican Order, embracing a life devoted to teaching and preaching. His family's disapproval led to his year-long captivity, yet upon his release in 1245, Aquinas unwaveringly pursued his Dominican vocation, eventually studying in Paris and Cologne under renowned scholars, including Saint Albert the Great, who recognized his remarkable intellect.

Career Start at the University of Naples

Saint Thomas Aquinas began his formal education at the University of Naples around the year 1239, where he immersed himself in the study of philosophy and theology. This period marked a crucial turning point in his intellectual development, as he was exposed to the works of Aristotle, which significantly influenced his future writings. The academic environment at Naples allowed Thomas to explore diverse theological perspectives, fueling his passion for learning and deeper spiritual and philosophical inquiry. During this time, he also became increasingly interested in contemporary monastic orders, particularly the Dominicans, whose emphasis on a life of service resonated with him.

In 1244, Aquinas faced a major dilemma when he decided to join the Order of Friars Preachers, commonly known as the Dominican Order, despite his family's opposition. Their disapproval led to his abduction and a year-long imprisonment, as they sought to dissuade him from his new vocation. However, Thomas's resolve remained steadfast, and once freed in 1245, he returned to the Dominicans, where he continued his theological training. His time at the University of Naples not only laid the groundwork for his subsequent studies but also established a strong foundation for his integration of faith and reason, which would later define his career and impact as a theologian and philosopher.

Achievements in Theology and Philosophy

Saint Thomas Aquinas is celebrated as a cornerstone of medieval Scholasticism, renowned for integrating the theological principles of faith with philosophical reasoning. His seminal works, most notably the "Summa Theologica" and "Summa Contra Gentiles", present a comprehensive framework addressing the coexistence of faith and reason, asserting they ultimately derive from the same divine source. Aquinas's approach directly challenged prevailing notions of the time, particularly the "theory of the double truth," positing that knowledge gained through revelation and reason can harmoniously coexist, thereby enriching both theological discourse and philosophical inquiry.

Aquinas significantly contributed to the articulation of natural law, positing that human laws should reflect moral truths derived from divine order. He categorized these laws into natural, positive, and eternal law, emphasizing their foundational role in achieving societal welfare and individual salvation. By asserting that natural law governs human behavior towards moral action, Aquinas framed ethical discourse in a manner that aligns with both divine command and rational thought, influencing not only religious authorities but also the legal and ethical frameworks that would shape future generations of thought across various disciplines. His legacy continues to resonate, inspiring continuous exploration and debate in theology, philosophy, and ethics.

Major Works and Contributions

Saint Thomas Aquinas was a prolific writer and a towering figure in medieval theology and philosophy. His major works include the monumental "Summa Theologica," which explores the relationship between faith and reason, and offers an extensive framework on various theological topics, including the existence of God and moral philosophy. Other significant writings include "Summa Contra Gentiles," which serves as an apologetic defense of Christian beliefs against non-Christian philosophies, and commentaries on Aristotle’s various texts, such as "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Metaphysics." In addition to these primary texts, Aquinas penned numerous commentaries on Peter Lombard’s theological works and wrote treatises defending the Dominican order.

Aquinas's influence extends far beyond his lifetime, as his writings became foundational to the curriculum of medieval universities, effectively replacing the previous theological standard set by Lombard's "Four Books of Sentences." His efforts to reconcile faith with reason helped to shape Scholastic thought and laid the groundwork for modern philosophy. The integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology is among his most significant contributions, emphasizing that both reason and revelation ultimately come from God. As a result, Aquinas earned the title of "The Universal Teacher," with an estimated 6,000 commentaries on his works still in circulation today, illustrating his lasting impact on both religious and philosophical discourse.

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

Saint Thomas Aquinas was born into a family of lower nobility in Roccasecca, Italy, circa 1225. He was the youngest of nine siblings in the family of Landulph, count of Aquino, and Theodora, countess of Teano. His family's noble heritage included connections to the Holy Roman Emperors Frederick I and Henry VI, which provided Thomas with a unique upbringing. The expectations of lineage and honor played significant roles in his early life, particularly when he chose to join the Dominican order, leading to familial conflict. Despite his family's disapproval, his relationship with them remained complex, characterized by a struggle between familial loyalty and personal conviction.

Although Aquinas's early life was rooted in family loyalty, his pursuit of a spiritual path led to tensions with his relatives, who sought to secure a more traditional noble future for him. After his decision to become a Dominican monk, his family resorted to kidnapping him in a desperate attempt to turn him away from this choice. This year-long captivity did not erode his faith; instead, it solidified his commitment to the Dominican order. Throughout his life, Aquinas maintained interactions with various religious figures, including his mentors like Saint Albert the Great, who significantly influenced his beliefs and writings. Thomas's engagements, both familial and spiritual, shaped his theological views and made a lasting impact on medieval thought and scholarship.

Net Worth and Earning: Influence and Legacy

Saint Thomas Aquinas, though not a figure primarily known for his wealth or financial earnings, amassed significant intellectual riches through his extensive writings and teachings. His scholarly contributions, particularly in the realm of theology and philosophy, have left an indelible mark on Western thought. With nearly 60 works attributed to him, including the monumental "Summa Theologica" and "Summa Contra Gentiles", Aquinas became a key figure in establishing the foundation of Catholic doctrine. His insights into the interplay between faith and reason positioned him as a central figure in medieval Scholasticism, enabled him to influence countless scholars, and led to the establishment of principles still studied in contemporary philosophical and theological education.

Aquinas's legacy transcends his lifetime, manifesting in the widespread adoption of his works in universities and the church. His ideas forged a new understanding of ethics and moral behavior, emphasizing natural law and the relationship between divine and societal laws. As a result, Aquinas became known as "The Universal Teacher," affecting the curriculum and ideological foundations of many institutions throughout Europe. His thoughts on the compatibility of faith and reason not only fostered a new intellectual climate in the 13th century but also laid the groundwork for the Renaissance and subsequent philosophical movements, ensuring that his influence remained potent long after his death. Even today, Aquinas remains a vital figure in discussions about theology, ethics, and the philosophy of religion, demonstrating the lasting impact of his work on both religious and secular thought.