Aquinas - 2

Aquinas and the Summa Theologica

• Major work: Summa Theologica, an encyclopedia of theology intended for seminary students.

• Structured by numerous questions (e.g., Question 1, Question 2).

Existence of God (Question Two)

• Focused on the existence of God with three articles:

  • Article 1: Whether God's existence is self-evident.

  • Article 2: Whether God's existence can be demonstrated.

  • Article 3: Whether God exists.

Structure of Arguments

• Each article begins with objections (arguments against his view).

• Aquinas allows opponents' views to be presented first, demonstrating a balanced approach.

• Then he presents his position, often citing authorities (e.g., the Bible, Augustine).

• The section "I answer that" contains his arguments for his view, often making distinctions.

Engagement with Objections

• After presenting his view, Aquinas revisits the objections to clarify and refute them.

• He critically examines pivotal concepts and beliefs, offering concise arguments.

Argument Form: Reductio ad Absurdum

• A common logical argument structure involving:

  • Assuming the opposite of what one intends to prove.

  • Deriving a contradiction from that assumption, thereby proving the original assumption to be false.

• Examples:

  • Mathematical Example: Proving that there are infinitely many prime numbers.

  • Philosophical Example: Proving nothing causes itself using efficient causes.