Contents
Thomas Aquinas
Bringing Aristotelian philosophy into a systematic account of Christian theology.
Disputed Questions on Truth · Summa contra Gentiles
- Born
- c. 1225
- Birthplace
- Roccasecca, Italy
- Died
- 7 March 1274
More people
Thomas Aquinas
Dominican thinker whose work shaped medieval scholasticism and later Catholic thought. He examined ethics, knowledge and the relationship between reason and faith.
Early life
A noble family
Born near Aquino and educated first at Monte Cassino.
Dominican vocation
Joined the Dominican order despite strong opposition from his family.
Career
- 1240s–1250s
Study and formation
Studied with Albert the Great and trained in theology.
- 1256–1260s
Teaching and writing
Taught in Paris and Italy while developing major philosophical and theological works.
- 1260s–1274
Mature synthesis
Worked on the Summa Theologiae and further commentaries until shortly before his death.
Ideas & writings
Disputed Questions on Truth
Investigations into truth, knowledge and related problems.
Summa contra Gentiles
An extended presentation and defence of Christian doctrine.
Summa Theologiae
An unfinished systematic treatment of theology, ethics and human action.
Beyond philosophy
A religious life
Lived as a friar, combining study with the practices of his order.
Hymn writing
Also composed liturgical poetry associated with the Eucharist.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Photo: Carlo Crivelli — later painted depiction. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
