“Summa Theologiae” by Thomas Aquinas
Part 2 in Arc’s series: The Greatest Works In Philosophy
St. Thomas Aquinas’s Summa Theologiae is indisputably one of the great works of theology in the Western tradition. But why speak about the Summa in a series dedicated to great works of philosophy? A medieval maxim which Thomas accepts states, “grace perfects nature, it does not destroy it or set it aside.” Since theology and philosophy treat many of the same topics, e.g., God, human nature, and the moral life, Thomas thinks that good theology presupposes good philosophical analysis and argumentation. The Summa, although primarily a work of theology, is therefore full of philosophy.
In order to facilitate learning about this classic work, this essay does three things. First, it offers context for the Summa. We will look at where its composition falls within Thomas’ life; we’ll examine the five main literary genres in existence in Thomas’ time; and we’ll also explore the sources upon which Thomas relies in authoring the Summa. Second, this essay gives an account of the purposes and content of the Summa. Finally, it also says something about the influence and reception of the Summa from the thirteenth century up until the present day.
