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St. Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant, 2005.
This paper discusses the lives, beliefs, similarities in thinking and differences in approach of philosophers St. Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant.
2,570 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that St. Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant were born nearly half a millennium apart and, on the surface, both their styles of argumentation and their general approaches to philosophy appear equally distanced from each other; however, both wished to solidify the fundamental knowledge of God. The author points out that Kant's metaphysics was a legitimate attempt at developing a kind of ultimate science that would guarantee the truth of knowledge. The paper relates that, similarly, Aquinas attempted to assert that some of mankind's most centrally held beliefs can be justified through the application of rational thought; specifically, he attempted to generate a comprehensive argument both in favor of the existence of God, which backs the most central doctrines of the Church.
From the Paper
"Thomas Aquinas was even more ensconced in the traditional Catholic hierarchy and interpretations of existence than Immanuel Kant. Aquinas' central focus was upon the questions pertaining to the relationship between God and man, and God and the natural world. Primarily he wanted to investigate what aspects of the world betray the existence of God, and consequently, why His existence is questioned so readily. Eventually, his writings would become the accepted textbooks of theology for the Church, and accordingly, would forever possess a certain stigma for either those who were non-Christians or non-Catholics particularly after the protestant reformation. Undeniably, though, Aquinas' methods were decidedly rational. That is, he endeavored to arrive at abstract claims as to the nature of God and the world by observing physical anomalies. This contrasted him strongly with most philosophers from his age, by virtue of the fact that he believed true faith required analytical investigation; but, it made him similar to Kant, who believed that faith in God and the righteousness of our actions require critical analysis."
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St. Thomas Aquinas & St Augustine, 2006.
A discussion regarding St. Thomas Aquinas versus St Augustine on the responsibilities of the state and the responsibilities of the ruler.
1,914 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the Hebrew Scriptures were produced from the traditions of the ancient Israeli people, and that these scriptures fused moral, along with political injunctions as to how the state should create a just as well as a holy society, and defined the responsibilities of the leaders in relation to the people, as well as defined the citizen's relationship to the state. The paper goes on to say that Christianity, which is derived from Judaism, was spawned during a different political and historical point in Israeli history. The paper reviews how both the theologians St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, when examining the responsibilities of the state, the ruler and the ruled in the Christian world, would also offer two different portraits of this judicial relationship, in attempting to reconcile scriptural prescriptions about correct behavior.
From the Paper
"However, in the Gospel According to St. Matthew, Jesus says: "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21) In other words, the purpose of religion is not to concern itself with the worldly affairs of the here and now, but the world to come. Jesus frequently implies that there is a dichotomy between the morals and values of the ruling state and the true values of a very different world above. The second beatitude of the "Sermon on the Mount" is one of Jesus' most famous: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:4) The meek that do not rule on earth will rule later on, and the rules that govern the world will be forever altered after the Day of Judgment. St. Paul reinforces this flesh and spirit divide in his Epistle to the Galatians: "For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Galatians 5:14) In other words, the true law of the land is spiritual, not the formally codified laws pertaining to ruling a state found in the Hebrew Bible. This is why Paul preaches against Christians observing the rules that Jews were bound by, such as circumcision. Christ had supplanted such old, physical laws. The laws of the world were of less concern than the inner laws of one's spiritual life."
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Natural Law According to Thomas Hobbes and St.Thomas Aquinas, 2000.
The following essay discusses the existence and meaning of natural law.
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The following paper examines why many theorists reject the existence of natural law as well as why many agree to its being defined as a set of innate moral principles which are common to all human beings. It is the aim of this paper to identify and discuss the important similarities and differences that exist between the two theories making reference to the theories of Thomas Hobbes (1588 - 1679) and St.Thomas Aquinas (1224/25 - 1274).
From the Paper
"Aquinas proposed that the essential quality setting human beings apart from the rest of the animal world was that of reason. In a development of Aristotle's theory.Aquinas asserts that all men naturally possess an internalized divine spark of reason,which serves as the guide to an autonomous and responsible decision making process."
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St. Thomas Aquinas' Contribution to Christian Theology, 2002.
Discussion of the Thomas Aquinas' contributions to Christian theology.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
St. Thomas Aquinas contributed a great deal to the entirety of Christian Theology both during and after his life; particularly in his writings. St. Thomas, as he is referred to in short, was an astute Biblical scholar who was as devoted to the faith in human reason as he was in God. St. Thomas' tome, Summa Theological, is, literally, the summation of his understanding of theology. In this work Aquinas single-handedly justified and 'proved' the whole of the spiritual nature, the soul, God, and a Christian life. It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the contributions of St. Thomas Aquinas to Christian theology and his impact upon Christianity itself.
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St. Thomas Aquinas's "De Malo", 2005.
A look at the definition of evil in St. Thomas Aquinas's "De Malo".
3,132 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Aquinas's work, "De Malo," examines the issue of evil from both the theological and the philosophical angles of interest and states that its focus is to ascribe meaning to the concept of evil.
From the Paper
"The moniker St. Thomas Aquinas evokes the image of a master theologian and a brilliant philosopher. Inspired by St. Augustine's dogma and Aristotelian theories, St. Thomas Aquinas quickly attained status as a master logician in his own right. His literature has stood the test of time, offering tremendous insight into the age-old question: what is the nature of evil?"
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St. Thomas Aquinas, 2002.
This paper discusses St. Thomas Aquinas' theory on natural law.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that Aquinas believed that natural law was a force that moved us toward the good, which was God Himself. The author points out that the law was predicated on us using our free will to seek the good. The paper indicates that, in this process, temperance, prudence and the use of our reason was crucial.
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St. Thomas Aquinas?s Theory of Potency and Act, 2002.
This paper discusses Aquinas?s Theory of the Relationship between Potency and Act that states: Since some things can be, even though they are not, and some things now are; those which can be and are not believed to be potency.
1,370 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The author uses the rules of logic to agree positively in support of St. Thomas Aquinas?s theory regarding the relationship between potency and act. The paper also refers to other philosophers such as Aristotle, Rene Descarte, and Samuel Johnson.
Table of Contents
Definition of the Terms
Brief Summary of the Argument
Counter Argument
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Thus to conclude in simple words, we say that it is the idea ? potency -which is supreme and ?real? and therefore substantial; while the act is only an accident by being its direct product. For the sake of elaboration, let us take the instance of Rene Descarte?s theory of ?I think; therefore, I am?: he also believed that Idea ? potency ? came before the general act, and therefore is Perfect, while the latter being merely the replica is imperfect and merely an accident."
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Comparison of St. Thomas Aquinas to Machiavelli, 2001.
A comparative study of the philosophies of these famous scholars with regard to their attitude to God and religion.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper details the different attitudes of these scholars' views on God and religion. St. Thomas Aquinas and Machiavelli represent the two extremes of the understanding of reason and faith. Machiavelli exhibits the influence of the Renaissance on his conception of God and faith in God. The existence of God is unquestionable and need not be proven. Aquinas also believes that the existence is self-evident, but as a Christian scholar Aquinas is obligated to develop a proof for the existence of God.
From the Paper
"Machiavelli mentions God in various passages of his writing, but God never represents the central theme of any of his writings. Typical of Machiavelli he manages to incorporate the gods of pagan religions into his writing and his theories. God?s focus was justice and mercy. As a Christian, Machiavelli naturally mentions the importance of Jesus Christ. As with other people of the time, Machiavelli prayed to God when difficulties arose with the possibility that his prayers would be answered."
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St. Thomas Aquinas' Theology, 1996.
Major ideas of 13th Century. Christian philosopher. Rational proofs of God, influence of Aristotle, methodology, ethics, metaphysics.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 8 sources, $ 79.95
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From the Paper
"Philosophy, religious faith, and theology are complementary aspects of the writings and thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, among other religious philosophers. Philosophy is a mode of thought, a means of speculating based on logic and experience. Philosophy is the means by which human beings have of examining their place in the universe. Religious faith is an accepted truth based on belief rather than close analysis. Theology is the study of God and the study of religious teaching. Aquinas combines all three of these conceptions as he analyzes human nature, the relationship between the human being and God, and the meaning of teachings of the Church.
Plato held that the body and the soul were separate and of a very different constitution, while Aristotle saw the soul as form of the body, a view accepted by St. Thomas Aquinas. Thomas was a..."
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St. Thomas Aquinas' Arguments for God, 1997.
Describes five arguments & analyzes argument based on unmoved mover in relation to Aristotle.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
"The purpose of this essay is to discuss the arguments that St. Thomas Aquinas presents for the existence of God. It will first list his five arguments briefly, then present a brief explanation of three of them. Of these, one will be chosen for discussion in depth. It will be evaluated and discussed in relation to Aristotelian theories and arguments and in relation to other Thomistic theories.
Aquinas?s five basic a posteriori arguments for the existence of God (as summarized in Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 2, Article 3) are as follows.
First is the argument from motion, which he attributes to Aristotle, according to which all motion must ultimately be caused by an unmoved mover.
Second is the argument from the nature of an efficient cause, that.."
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Divine Foreknowledge: Augustine, Boethius and Thomas Aquinas, 2002.
Looks at the issue of foreknowledge of God from the perspectives of St. Thomas Aquinas, Augustine and Boethius.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
The issue of the foreknowledge of God is a mystery that St. Thomas Aquinas, Augustine and Boethius all struggled with. Divine foreknowledge involves the idea that the will of God articulated itself most comprehensively in divine predestination, of which the plan of salvation is an integral part. Thus, Christ himself was, obviously, predestined. This, of course, means that God knew that evil would come into the world and that Jesus would have to redeem mankind. Nonetheless, while God knew that evil would come into the world, he also willed an end, and in this his action can be seen as perfect. To protect his own freedom, God caused events contingently and without necessity; therefore his own causation and will was free. God, therefore, predestined contingently. In this way, we can understand that God was not the captive of his own action, but remained free.
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The Life and Theology of Thomas Aquinas, 2006.
A discussion of Saint Thomas Aquinas, his philosophy and body of work.
2,200 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the philosophy and writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas. The author provides an in-depth discussion of Thomism, Aquinas' school of philosophical thought, and his most famous work, "Summa Theologae". The author also explains Aquinas' proofs of the existence of God, and touches on other writers and thinkers who have been influenced by Aquinas.
From the Paper
"Before Thomas Aquinas was born, his future was allegedly fated. A holy hermit predicted to Aquinas' mother that her son would "enter the Order of Friars Preachers, and so great will be his learning and sanctity that in his day no one will be found to equal him". In Aquinas' forty-nine year life, he fulfilled this prophecy."
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Martin Luther and Thomas Aquinas: A Comparison, 2002.
A comparative analysis of the political views of Martin Luther and Thomas Aquinas.
987 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Thomas Aquinas and Martin Luther stand apart, famous in their respective traditions for profoundly different reasons. It looks at how Aquinas is famed as a philosopher whose words and thoughts considered to be the fullest flowering of the theories and practice of Scholasticism in the medieval church. Scholasticism emphasizes the rational proof of the existence of God and the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church and its hierarchy. It examines how Martin Luther stands as the founder of Protestantism and as an historical leader rather than a great philosopher and how his movement was ideologically based in the idea of taking away of the Bible and Biblical interpretation from the priests of the church and putting it in the hands, minds and words of ordinary individuals.
From the Paper
"In Aquinas? view, a singular intelligence was needed to command and to govern, to fuse the multiple intelligences and desires of others into a functional societal unit. Although Aquinas acknowledged the dangers of royal tyranny, mercilessly deconstructing the pros and cons of kingship, ultimately, ?the welfare and safety of a multitude formed into a society lies in the preservation of its unity, which is called peace.? (11). This is despite the fact ?that men living under a king strive more sluggishly for the common good, inasmuch as they consider that what they devote to the common good, they do not confer upon themselves but upon another, under whose power they see the common goods to be... Experience thus teaches that one city administered by rulers changing annually is sometimes able to do more than some kings having, perchance, two or three cities.? (19-20) But in such individualistic and contentious states, war was too frequent to justify democratization of nations."
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Saint Thomas Aquinas, 2005.
This paper analyzes the impact of Saint Thomas Aquinas on modern society.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 8 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the impact of Saint Thomas Aquinas on modern society and points out how it is important to note that his articulation of his natural law doctrine has been very influential for more than seven centuries. The paper explains that this influence has extended beyond philosophy and religion, because Aquinas conceived of natural law within a much larger context of human actions and their place in the order of creation.
From the Paper
"As Braybrooke (2003) notes, Aquinas' conception of natural law has had a major impact on human society, primarily because his natural law doctrine "articulates a 'philosophical' ethics within a 'theological' understanding of God and the universe without compromising the integrity of either the philosophical or the theological enterprises.""
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Thomas Aquinas, 2004.
An analysis of the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas.
2,856 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 28 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper presents an exposition and discussion of a number of cardinal issues relating to the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas. The questions that are dealt with relate to the central problems of Thomist philosophy; as well as to issues of cohesion and integration in terms of the overall understanding of Aquinas' philosophy and theology. The paper discusses questions such as: 'what is the extent or necessity of the independence of memory, will and sensibility?', 'to what extent is the independence of the will necessary in the attainment of immortality?' and 'how is the imagination separate from memory?'. The central locus of the dissertation is an examination of these aspects - the will, memory, imagination, sensibility and the question of sin and immortality.
From the Paper
"In order to understand the often complex issue of Aquinas and the relationship between knowledge and sensibility as well as the inclination towards the "good" or immortality, one has to unravel the relationship between form and matter in his philosophy. Speaking simplistically, Aquinas sees life and existence holistically and all living entities as interrelated according to certain foundational principles. This relates to his doctrine of form and matter, in which there is a conceptual connectivity between form and matter that suggests that all matter, including human, vegetative and animal are interconnected. This conceptual analysis is in direct contrast to the philosophy of dualists like Descartes who saw a severe and radical division between the various types of matter and between mind and body."
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