Aquinas - 2

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Aquinas' works and argumentation techniques.

Summa Theologica

A major work by Thomas Aquinas intended as an encyclopedia of theology for seminary students.

Reductio ad absurdum

An argument technique where the opposite of what one wants to prove is assumed, leading to a contradiction, thereby proving the original assumption false.

Efficient Cause

A term used by Aquinas to refer to a type of cause that brings something into existence.

Objections

Arguments that Aquinas presents against his own views before stating his position.

Aquinas' Structure

The format Aquinas uses in his work, consisting of questions and articles that address various aspects of theology.

Philosophical Example

An illustration of a concept or argument, drawn from philosophy rather than mathematics.

Aquinas' Five Ways

Aquinas' arguments for proving the existence of God through different philosophical perspectives.

Prior to Itself

The idea that for something to cause itself, it must exist before it exists, which is considered impossible.

Contradiction

A situation where two or more statements are logically incompatible, often used in arguments to demonstrate the fallacy of a premise.

Authority Cite

The practice of referring to scholarly or religious sources in support of an argument.