Thomas Aquinas: Faith, Reason, and Aristotle in the 13th Century

The 13th Century: A Historical and Intellectual Apogee

The historical framework for the thought of Thomas Aquinas is the 13th century, an era within the Middle Ages, a period spanning from the mid-11th century to the late 15th century. Following several centuries characterized by rigid social structures and material limitations, known as the "Dark Ages" (until the 11th century), Europe reached its apogee in the 13th century.

This century was the stage for the renewed struggle between the Emperor and the Pope, a conflict that resulted in the triumph of the papacy (papal theocracy). It was also a golden age for:

• Theology and scholastic philosophy
• The consolidation of municipalities and the bourgeoisie
• The emergence of universities
• The rise of mendicant orders (Franciscans and Dominicans)

Finally, from a philosophical standpoint, 13th-century Europe witnessed a major event: the rediscovery of Aristotle's works.

Scholasticism: The Challenge of Faith and Reason

Philosophy in the Middle Ages passed through two stages: the Patristic and the Scholastic. Scholasticism is the term for medieval Christian philosophy that originated in monastic, cathedral, and palatine schools, and later, in the 13th century, in universities. Thomas Aquinas was a key figure during the peak of High Scholasticism.

The Great Synthesis of Thomas Aquinas

In both Patristic and Scholastic phases, the relationship between faith and reason, and philosophy and theology, was a central problem. In previous centuries, authors like St. Augustine and St. Anselm had drawn on Platonism to create the first synthesis between faith and reason, seeking to achieve harmony between them.

This landscape changed in the 13th century with the arrival of the works of Aristotle and his commentators. His work demonstrated a rational explanation of humanity and the world independent of faith (and, in the case of Latin Averroism, even contradicting it). Thomas Aquinas took on the challenge of harmonizing philosophy or reason (represented by Aristotle) and theology (Christian faith), demonstrating the possibility of a mutual understanding. This would become the second great synthesis of the Middle Ages.

Considering that at the beginning of the 13th century, some of Aristotle's works were on the "list of banned titles," and the extremes to which Latin Averroism went in endorsing his thought, the contribution of Thomas Aquinas gains even more value, and the originality of his thought is beyond doubt.

Society and Culture in Aquinas's Time

The society of St. Thomas Aquinas's time was a pre-Renaissance feudal society, organized into three main classes:

• Nobility
• Bourgeoisie
• Peasantry

The Church was also highly influential, particularly with the rise of the mendicant orders like the Dominicans and Franciscans. Culturally, this was also the century of magnificent Gothic cathedrals, and schools of translators gained significant importance.