Lecture on Thomas Aquinas and Medieval Philosophy

Introduction to Thomas Aquinas

• Thomas Aquinas is a pivotal figure in Christian theological tradition.
• Known for his precise and concise language, originally written in Latin.
• Reading Aquinas provides insight into the broader medieval philosophical and theological tradition.
• Objective: Examine Aquinas's "five ways" to the existence of God and medieval modes of thinking.

Aquinas's Context

• Causality: Central philosophical concept in the Middle Ages.
  • Influenced heavily by Aristotle.
  • Philosophy equated with science in the medieval era.
• Philosophical Inquiry: Concerned with understanding change and existence over time.
• Ethical Dimension: Causality also involves self-awareness and moral responsibility.

Key Philosophical Concepts

Causality and Teleology

• Causality: Examines origins and reasons for existence and change.
• Four Causes (Aristotle and Aquinas):
  1. Material Cause: The substance from which something is made (e.g., marble for a sculpture).
  2. Instrumental Cause: The agent who brings something into being (e.g., a sculptor).
  3. Formal Cause: The form or shape that something takes.
  4. Final Cause: The purpose or end for which something is made.
• Teleology: Concerned with the "end" or purpose of things.
  • Not just the chronological end, but the goal or function.
  • Teleological: Directed towards an end or purpose.

Medieval Argumentation

• Medieval articles structured in five parts:
  1. State the Question: Must be answerable with yes or no.
  2. State Objections: Clearly and respectfully present opposing views.
  3. Authority Reference: Cite a recognized authority to support the position.
  4. Present Argument: Creative presentation of one’s own argument.
  5. Refutation of Objections: Respectful and thorough response to objections.

Example of Argumentation

• Question: Whether Joel should lose 15 pounds?
  • Objections:
    • Doctor’s priority is cholesterol.
    • Comfort in eating and drinking.
    • Food is nutritious.
  • Authority and Argument: Cite nutritionists and argue that weight loss is beneficial.
  • Conclusion: Yes, Joel should lose weight based on refuted objections.

Aquinas's Philosophical Views

Human Capacities: Intellect and Will

• Intellect: Capability to understand and create meaning from observations.
• Will: Capacity to execute actions based on decisions.
• Ethical Implication: "You are what you do, and you do what you are."
  • Repeated actions form habits.
  • Virtue: Habits that lead to good.
  • Vice: Habits that lead to evil.

Reality and Truth

• Ipsa Res: Reality as it truly is.
• Truth: Defined as "adequatio" (correspondence) between intellect and reality.
  • Truth is not a static thing but an activity.
  • Better understanding of reality leads to more truth.

Conclusion

• Aquinas's work is essential for understanding medieval philosophy, especially concepts of causality and ethics.
• His structured method of argumentation and views on intellect and reality remain influential.