The Apogee of Saint Thomas Aquinas and Scholasticism

Naples 1224-1274

The 13th century in Western thought was largely shaped by Platonic philosophy. Existing authors contributed to this influence, compounded by a lack of access to the complete works of Aristotle; primarily, only his logical treatises were known. The 13th century marked the rediscovery of Aristotelian philosophy. The arrival of Aristotelianism in Europe created a shock and upheaval. Despite resistance to this new wave of thought, Thomas Aquinas sought to assimilate it.

Aristotelianism reached the West following the decline of the Roman Empire and the loss of many classical texts. It was retrieved through the expanding Arab Empire. Arab scholars collected and translated Aristotle's works into Arabic, often adding their own commentaries and interpretations, sometimes attempting to reconcile them with Platonic thought. Avicenna (10th-11th century) is a prime example of a scholar who engaged in this synthesis of Aristotelian and Platonic ideas. Averroes (12th century) later encountered these Arabic texts, recognizing a purer form of Aristotelianism within them. He worked to balance established tradition with this rediscovered knowledge.

Averroes advocated for the theory of double truth: the idea that theological and philosophical truths could coexist independently, even if they appeared contradictory. This represented a desperate attempt to preserve faith in the face of reason.

This is where Saint Thomas Aquinas enters the picture. Rejecting Averroes' theory of double truth, Aquinas aimed to reconcile Christianity with Aristotelianism. He firmly believed that Aristotle's system was compatible with Christian doctrine. Aquinas adopted many of Aristotle's ideas, such as his interpretation of nature and the four causes, including the final cause. Following Aristotle's framework, Aquinas even formulated his own proofs for the existence of God. However, unlike Aristotle's impersonal Prime Mover, Aquinas' God is actively involved in human life and creation.

Regarding the concept of humanity, Aquinas built upon Aristotle's foundation but incorporated Platonic elements. While accepting Aristotle's view of the soul as the essence of life, Aquinas, like Plato, asserted the immortality of the soul.

As for ethics, Aquinas' Aristotelian-based system posits that the supreme good for humanity is the pursuit of happiness through contemplation. He believed that moral norms are derived from nature.

The influence of Saint Thomas Aquinas remains present in certain aspects of moral philosophy to this day.