Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica: Structure, Method, and Legacy

Understanding the Summa Theologica: Context and Method

Context of the Summa Theologica Fragment

This fragment belongs to Part I, Question II, Article III of the Summa Theologica.

Thomas Aquinas's Theological Vision

The primary goal Thomas Aquinas had with this book was to create a theological synthesis that would make the most important problems of the moment accessible to those devoted to these studies. While the exact timing is not clear, its composition is substantially placed in the last years of his life.

His theology was inspired by the revealed word but focused on a system that took into account the logical laws of Aristotle's time. This approach led to the development of the quaestio, a fundamental element of scholastic inquiry.

The issues of spirit accumulated by these teachers formed an inquisitive set of problems. A bewildering selection was imposed, based on a new scientific spirit, leading to an organic presentation of the great themes of Christianity in a harmonious structure.

The Scholastic Method Explained

The Summa Theologica comprises approximately 512 questions. Each article addresses specific questions, summarizing the core issue and providing a response based on the scholastic method.

The scholastic method follows a structured approach for each question:

1. A problem or quaestio is posed, examining reasons for and against a proposition.
2. Arguments opposing the teacher's view are presented in full force.
3. The teacher's solution (the respondeo) is given, typically in the third part of the article.
4. Arguments from other perspectives, or replies to the initial objections, are then provided as an alternative or clarification.

The initial arguments to the contrary are considered the introductory principle of the article, preceding the teacher's main response in the body of the text.

Structure and Content of the Summa Theologica

The content of the Summa Theologica is sacred theology and doctrine, systematically divided into three main parts:

• Part I: Deals with God and creatures dependent on Him.
• Part II: Addresses human actions, both in general and in particular.
• Part III: Focuses on Jesus Christ.

Other Works by Saint Thomas Aquinas

Beyond the monumental Summa Theologica, Saint Thomas Aquinas authored numerous other significant works:

• Teaching Works:
  • Commentary on the Sentences of Peter Lombard
  • Quaestiones Disputatae
  • Quodlibet
• Great Theological Syntheses:
  • Summa Theologica
  • Summa Contra Gentiles
• Other Notable Works:
  • De Ente et Essentia
  • (and others)

Life and Influences of Saint Thomas Aquinas

In 1245, Saint Thomas studied with Albertus Magnus, from whom he received a profound influence. This influence is reflected in Aquinas's attitude and his eagerness to make Aristotelian thought the instrument of systematic Christian theology and philosophy.

He was named a teacher and subsequently went to Rome as a professor of theology. Saint Thomas Aquinas died in 1274 when Pope Gregory X summoned him to Lyon to participate in the council.