The Human Soul: Thomas Aquinas

Flashcards covering key concepts related to Thomas Aquinas' philosophy of the human soul as discussed in his work, Summa Theologiae.

Hylemorphism

Aristotle's theory that the soul is the form of the body, not a separate entity.

Subsistent

Capable of existing in its own right, particularly referring to the human intellect according to Aquinas.

Corporeal

Related to the physical body; the opposite of incorporeal.

Incorruptible

A property of the intellectual soul, meaning it cannot be corrupted or destroyed.

Philosopher

In this context, refers to Aristotle, who argued that not every mover is moved.

Intellectual operation

The function of the soul that allows it to have knowledge of all corporeal things.

Sensitive soul

The aspect of the soul associated with sensation and response to the physical world.

Form

The essence or nature of a thing, which is distinct from its matter.

Act of a body

The role of the soul as the principle that actualizes the body.

Corruption

The process by which something ceases to exist; traditionally associated with material forms.

Phantasm

An image created in the mind, used in the context of intellectual understanding.

Species vs. Genus

Species refers to specific qualities of a thing, while genus refers to broader categories, critical in distinguishing human nature.

Augustine

A Christian philosopher who argued for the incorporeal nature of the soul against corporeal interpretations.

Teleology

The explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than by postulated causes; relevant in discussing the final cause of life.

Prime mover

An uncaused cause, mentioned in Aristotle's philosophy, essential for the movement and activity in the universe.