Notes on Thomas Aquinas Lecture

Introduction

• Thomas Aquinas was a medieval saint known for his visions and philosophical work.
• He addresses the reconciliation of religion with science and faith with reason.

Contributions of Aquinas

• Aquinas developed a new understanding of reason's role in human life.
• His monumental contribution:
  • Asserted that all humans can access great truths through reason, not just Christians.
  • Broke the log jam in Christian thinking regarding wisdom from non-Christians.
  • Universalized intelligence, opening Christian thought to insights from all humanity.
• The modern world recognizes the value of ideas from all backgrounds as a debt to Aquinas.

Early Life and Education

• Born in 1225 to a noble family in Italy.
• Studied at the University of Naples, discovering ancient texts.
• Became an academic at the University of Paris and a prolific writer.
• Authored nearly 200 theological works in less than three decades.
  • Notable works include Suma Theologica and Suma Contra Gentiles.
• Died at age 49, still writing a commentary on the Song of Songs.
• Canonized in the Catholic Church; patron saint of teachers.

Philosophy of Knowledge

• Aquinas believed the world's greatest thinkers were not exclusively Christian.
• Proposed two kinds of laws:
  • Natural Law: Knowledge about the universe that can be discovered through reason (e.g., science).
  • Eternal Law: Religious laws revealed by God, outside human reason.
• Example:
  • Jesus's command about treating others ethically is rooted in natural law, not just eternal law.

Context of Aquinas's Ideas

• Aquinas's ideas developed during a time of similar dilemmas in Islamic culture.
• Islamic caliphates had previously flourished with knowledge and science but became dogmatic.
• The reaction against philosopher Averroes shows the tension between reason and faith in Islam.
• Aquinas's framework encouraged open scientific inquiry, preventing stagnation in Christianity.

Conclusion

• Emphasized the importance of knowledge from various sources: intuition, rationality, science, and revelation.
• Continues to be relevant as civilization often struggles with this idea.