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Thomism, a significant philosophical and theological system, derives its name from Thomas Aquinas, a prominent Dominican friar and scholar active during the period 1225-1274.
Answer: True
Thomism represents a philosophical and theological system originating from the intellectual contributions of Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), a distinguished Dominican friar and Doctor of the Church whose works remain foundational to Catholic philosophy and theology.
The Summa Theologica is considered a minor work by Thomas Aquinas, with little influence on Catholic thought.
Answer: False
The Summa Theologica is regarded as one of Thomas Aquinas's most significant works and serves as a cornerstone of medieval theology, profoundly influencing Catholic doctrine and teaching.
Thomas Aquinas largely rejected Aristotle's philosophy and did not incorporate it into his own work.
Answer: False
Thomas Aquinas extensively adopted Aristotelian terminology and metaphysics, often affirming Aristotle's views and writing influential commentaries on his works, respectfully referring to him as 'the Philosopher'.
Aquinas integrated certain neoplatonic principles into his philosophy, such as the idea of participation in a primary being.
Answer: True
Aquinas incorporated specific neoplatonic concepts, including the notion that all beings and goodness ultimately derive from and participate in a primary, essential being and good, which he identified as God.
Aquinas's philosophy shifted Scholasticism away from Aristotelianism towards Neoplatonism.
Answer: False
Aquinas's philosophical work significantly shifted Scholasticism towards a greater integration of Aristotelian philosophy, rather than away from it towards Neoplatonism.
Who is Thomism named after, and what was his primary affiliation?
Answer: Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar
Thomism is named after Thomas Aquinas, a prominent Dominican friar and influential theologian.
Which of the following philosophical traditions did Aquinas NOT draw upon, according to the source?
Answer: Existentialist philosophy
The source indicates that Aquinas drew upon Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Jewish philosophical traditions, but does not mention existentialist philosophy as an influence.
How did Aquinas view Aristotle's philosophy in his own work?
Answer: He adopted its terminology and metaphysics, often affirming its views.
Thomas Aquinas extensively adopted Aristotelian terminology and metaphysics, often affirming Aristotle's views and writing influential commentaries on his works.
Thomas Aquinas identified the principle of identity and the principle of excluded middle as the fundamental axioms of ontology.
Answer: False
Thomas Aquinas identified the principle of non-contradiction and the principle of causality as the foundational axioms of ontology, suggesting that any being not contradicting these principles could theoretically exist.
Aquinas identified three forms of predication: univocal, analogical, and equivocal.
Answer: True
Aquinas identified three forms of predication: univocal (same meaning), equivocal (different meanings, often a fallacy), and analogical (partially similar meanings), which are crucial for understanding how language applies to different entities, including God.
The 'quiddity' or essence of a thing in Thomistic philosophy consists of prime matter and substantial form.
Answer: True
In Thomistic philosophy, the quiddity or essence of a thing is understood to consist of two components: prime matter (matter devoid of form) and substantial form (the principle that actualizes the matter and defines the thing's nature).
Aquinas adopted Aristotle's categorization of causality, including material, formal, efficient, and final causes.
Answer: True
Aquinas adopted Aristotle's categorization of causality, identifying four distinct types: the material cause (the constituent matter), the formal cause (the essence or structure), the efficient cause (the agent of change), and the final cause (the purpose or end).
Aquinas argued that an infinite regress of causality is possible and does not preclude the existence of a first cause.
Answer: False
Aquinas argued against the possibility of an infinite regress of causality, contending that such a chain would never achieve its objective or reach completion, thus necessitating a first, uncaused cause.
According to Aquinas, the transcendental properties of being include unity, beauty, and goodness.
Answer: False
According to Aquinas, the transcendental properties of being are oneness (unity), truth, and goodness, which are inherent attributes applicable to all existing things.
In Thomistic philosophy, 'being' is defined as comprising 'quiddity' (essence) and 'esse' (existence).
Answer: True
In Thomistic philosophy, 'being' is fundamentally understood as comprising 'quiddity' (the essence or 'whatness' of a thing) and 'esse' (existence or the act of being).
Thomism divides beings into those that exist 'in themselves' (accidents) and those that exist 'in another' (substances).
Answer: False
Thomism classifies beings into those that exist 'in themselves' (substances) and those that exist 'in another' (accidents), with substances being independent entities and accidents being properties or qualities dependent on a subject.
What are the two fundamental axioms of ontology identified by Thomas Aquinas?
Answer: The principle of non-contradiction and the principle of causality.
Thomas Aquinas identified the principle of non-contradiction and the principle of causality as the foundational axioms of ontology.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three forms of predication Aquinas identified?
Answer: Metaphorical
Aquinas identified three forms of predication: univocal, equivocal, and analogical. Metaphorical is not listed as one of these distinct forms.
What are the two components that constitute the 'quiddity' or essence of a thing in Thomistic philosophy?
Answer: Prime matter and substantial form.
In Thomistic philosophy, the quiddity or essence of a thing is understood to consist of two components: prime matter and substantial form.
Aquinas adopted Aristotle's categorization of causality, which includes all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: Existential cause
Aquinas adopted Aristotle's categorization of causality, identifying four distinct types: the material cause, the formal cause, the efficient cause, and the final cause. 'Existential cause' is not among these.
What was Aquinas's reasoning against an infinite regress of causality?
Answer: Such a chain would never accomplish its objective or reach completion.
Aquinas argued against the possibility of an infinite regress of causality, contending that such a chain would never achieve its objective or reach completion, thus necessitating a first, uncaused cause.
Which of the following are the transcendental properties of being according to Aquinas?
Answer: Oneness, truth, goodness.
According to Aquinas, the transcendental properties of being are oneness (unity), truth, and goodness, which are inherent attributes applicable to all existing things.
In Thomistic philosophy, what does 'being' fundamentally comprise?
Answer: Quiddity (essence) and esse (existence).
In Thomistic philosophy, 'being' is fundamentally understood as comprising 'quiddity' (the essence or 'whatness' of a thing) and 'esse' (existence or the act of being).
How does Thomism classify beings based on their mode of existence?
Answer: Those that exist 'in themselves' (substances) and those that exist 'in another' (accidents).
Thomism classifies beings into those that exist 'in themselves' (substances) and those that exist 'in another' (accidents), with substances being independent entities and accidents being properties or qualities dependent on a subject.
Thomas Aquinas maintained that truth should be accepted irrespective of its origin, including insights from non-Christian philosophical traditions.
Answer: True
Thomas Aquinas advocated for the acceptance of truth irrespective of its source, integrating insights from diverse philosophical traditions such as Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Jewish thought. His epistemological stance was rooted in realism, affirming the knowability of the world as it exists.
The 'Five Ways' proposed by Aquinas are arguments for the existence of evil.
Answer: False
The 'Five Ways' (quinque viae) are Thomas Aquinas's well-known arguments for the existence of God, derived from observations of the natural world.
Aquinas believed that truths knowable by reason, like God's existence, are considered 'preambles' to faith.
Answer: True
Aquinas posited that truths accessible through reason, such as the existence of God, serve as 'preambles' to faith, forming a rational foundation upon which revealed truths can be accepted.
The peripatetic axiom cited by Aquinas states that 'nothing is in the intellect that was not first in the will.'
Answer: False
The peripatetic axiom cited by Aquinas, emphasizing the empirical basis of knowledge, states that 'whatever is in our intellect must have previously been in the senses,' highlighting the origin of knowledge in sensory experience.
Aquinas argued against the eternity of the world, paraphrasing Maimonides' reasoning.
Answer: True
Aquinas argued against the concept of an eternal world, employing reasoning similar to that found in Maimonides' 'The Guide for the Perplexed' to demonstrate that Aristotle's arguments for an eternal world were not conclusive.
In Thomism, God's existence is identical to His essence, meaning God is pure being.
Answer: True
In Thomistic theology, God's existence is identical to His essence ('what subsists in God is His existence'), signifying that God is pure being, possessing infinite perfection and being the uncaused cause of all reality.
Thomism holds that all knowledge acquired by the intellect originates from divine inspiration, bypassing sensory experience.
Answer: False
Thomism asserts that all knowledge acquired by the intellect originates from sensory experience, as encapsulated by the peripatetic axiom: 'whatever is in our intellect must have previously been in the senses.'
Thomism views God's causality as secondary and dependent on creaturely actions.
Answer: False
Thomism views God's causality as primary and sustaining, operating through secondary causes without being dependent upon them, as God is the ultimate source of all being and action.
The 'analogical way' of speaking about God in Thomism suggests God is fully comprehensible through human language.
Answer: False
The 'analogical way' in Thomism implies that human language about God is necessarily analogical, reflecting a partial similarity but acknowledging God's infinite nature, which transcends full human comprehension.
What fundamental principle guided Thomas Aquinas's approach to acquiring knowledge?
Answer: Accepting truth regardless of its source, including diverse philosophical traditions.
Thomas Aquinas advocated for the acceptance of truth irrespective of its source, integrating insights from diverse philosophical traditions such as Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Jewish thought.
Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Five Ways' Aquinas proposed for the existence of God?
Answer: Argument from revelation
The 'Five Ways' are arguments derived from observing the natural world: motion, efficient causality, contingency, degree, and design. Argument from revelation is not one of them.
What did Aquinas consider 'preambles' to faith?
Answer: Truths knowable by reason, such as God's existence.
Aquinas posited that truths accessible through reason, such as the existence of God, serve as 'preambles' to faith, forming a rational foundation upon which revealed truths can be accepted.
In Thomism, what is unique about God's being?
Answer: His existence is identical to His essence.
In Thomistic theology, God's existence is identical to His essence ('what subsists in God is His existence'), signifying that God is pure being, possessing infinite perfection.
What is the Thomistic view on the origin of knowledge?
Answer: All knowledge acquired by the intellect originates from sensory experience.
Thomism asserts that all knowledge acquired by the intellect originates from sensory experience, as encapsulated by the peripatetic axiom: 'whatever is in our intellect must have previously been in the senses.'
How does Thomism view God's causality in relation to the universe?
Answer: God is the primary and sustaining cause of all things.
Thomism views God's causality as primary and sustaining, operating through secondary causes without being dependent upon them, as God is the ultimate source of all being and action.
What does the 'analogical way' of speaking about God imply in Thomism?
Answer: We can speak of God through analogy because He is infinite and beyond full comprehension.
The 'analogical way' in Thomism implies that human language about God is necessarily analogical, reflecting a partial similarity but acknowledging God's infinite nature, which transcends full human comprehension.
In Thomistic philosophy, 'man' is defined as a 'sensory animal', emphasizing only the physical aspect.
Answer: False
In Thomistic philosophy, 'man' is defined as a 'rational animal,' encompassing both sensory and intellectual faculties, distinguishing human beings from other animal species.
According to Aquinas, 'the good' is defined as that which causes suffering.
Answer: False
Following Aristotle, Aquinas defined 'the good' as that which all things strive for, positing that all real things are inherently good, and evil is understood as a 'lack of good' (privatio boni).
In Thomism, the soul is defined as the substantial form of living beings, giving life and defining their nature.
Answer: True
In Thomism, the soul is understood as the substantial form of living organisms, serving as the principle of life and defining the essential nature of the being.
Aquinas identified prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude as the cardinal virtues.
Answer: True
Aquinas identified prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude as the four cardinal virtues, which are considered natural and universally applicable, discoverable through reason.
The theological virtues in Thomism are prudence, justice, and temperance.
Answer: False
The theological virtues in Thomism are faith, hope, and charity (love), which are supernatural in nature and directed toward God as their object, distinguishing them from the cardinal virtues.
Thomistic ethics posits that humans can achieve supernatural good and merit solely through their own efforts, without divine grace.
Answer: False
Thomistic ethics asserts that humans require divine grace to perform truly supernatural good actions and achieve merit, as natural efforts alone are insufficient for attaining this higher order of good.
Thomism rejects all emotions as inherently vicious, similar to Stoic philosophy.
Answer: False
Thomism adopts a moderate stance on emotions, viewing them as movements of the sensitive appetite that can be either good or bad depending on the intention and object, rejecting the Stoic view that all emotions are inherently vicious.
Aquinas recognized four types of law: eternal, natural, human, and divine.
Answer: True
Thomism categorizes law into four types: eternal law (Divine Wisdom governing all creation), natural law (rational participation in eternal law), human law (societal legislation), and divine law (revealed moral precepts).
Thomism defines happiness as an operation performed in accordance with perfect virtue.
Answer: True
Thomism defines happiness as an operation performed in accordance with perfect virtue, representing the attainment or enjoyment of the ultimate good, which is God.
Aquinas defines virtue as a bad habit that hinders good actions.
Answer: False
Aquinas defines virtue as a good habit, a positive quality developed through consistent actions that lead to virtuous conduct.
The Thomistic view defines the human soul as the substantial form of the body, considered rational and immortal.
Answer: True
The Thomistic perspective defines the human soul as the substantial form of the body, characterized by rationality and immortality, serving as the principle of life and consciousness.
According to Aquinas, a just war requires only a sovereign authority commanding it.
Answer: False
According to Aquinas, a just war requires three conditions: sovereign authority, a just cause, and a rightful intention, not merely the authority of a sovereign.
Natural law, in Thomism, is the rational being's participation in eternal law, guiding towards good.
Answer: True
Natural law, within Thomistic philosophy, is understood as the rational creature's participation in God's eternal law, directing actions toward their proper ends and guiding toward the good.
How did Aquinas define 'man' in philosophical terms?
Answer: A rational animal.
Following Aristotelian precedent, Aquinas defined 'man' as a 'rational animal,' identifying 'animal' as the genus and 'rationality' as the specific difference.
According to Aquinas, what is the definition of 'the good'?
Answer: That which all things strive for.
Following Aristotle, Aquinas defined 'the good' as that which all things strive for, positing that all real things are inherently good.
In Thomism, what is the definition of the soul?
Answer: The substantial form of living beings.
In Thomism, the soul is understood as the substantial form of living organisms, serving as the principle of life and defining the essential nature of the being.
Which set lists the four cardinal virtues identified by Aquinas?
Answer: Prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude.
Aquinas identified prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude as the four cardinal virtues, which are considered natural and universally applicable.
How do the theological virtues differ from the cardinal virtues in Thomism?
Answer: Theological virtues have God as their object; cardinal virtues are natural and universally binding.
Theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) are supernatural and directed toward God, while cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude) are natural and universally binding.
According to Thomistic ethics, what is required for humans to perform supernatural good actions?
Answer: Divine grace.
Thomistic ethics asserts that humans require divine grace to perform truly supernatural good actions and achieve merit, as natural efforts alone are insufficient.
How does Thomism define happiness?
Answer: An operation performed in accordance with perfect virtue.
Thomism defines happiness as an operation performed in accordance with perfect virtue, representing the attainment or enjoyment of the ultimate good, which is God.
What is the Thomistic understanding of 'virtue'?
Answer: A good habit leading to good works.
Aquinas defines virtue as a good habit, a positive quality developed through consistent actions that lead to virtuous conduct.
What are the three conditions necessary for a war to be considered 'just' according to Aquinas?
Answer: Just cause, sovereign authority, and rightful intention.
According to Aquinas, a just war requires three conditions: sovereign authority, a just cause, and a rightful intention.
What is the Thomistic concept of 'natural law'?
Answer: The rational being's participation in eternal law, guiding towards good.
Natural law, within Thomistic philosophy, is understood as the rational creature's participation in God's eternal law, directing actions toward their proper ends and guiding toward the good.
Aquinas explained the problem of evil by stating that God permits evil so that greater good can come from it, especially through free will.
Answer: True
Aquinas addressed the problem of evil by positing that God permits evil to exist so that greater good may arise from it, particularly through the exercise of free will, which he considered superior to predetermined goodness.
Aquinas reconciled God's providence with human free will by suggesting God moves voluntary causes according to their own nature.
Answer: True
Aquinas proposed that God's providence does not negate human free will; rather, God, as the primary cause, moves voluntary causes in accordance with their inherent natures, thereby preserving the voluntariness of their actions.
How did Aquinas explain the existence of evil in the world?
Answer: God permits evil so that greater good can come from it, especially through free will.
Aquinas addressed the problem of evil by positing that God permits evil to exist so that greater good may arise from it, particularly through the exercise of free will.
In the Middle Ages, some of Aquinas's positions on hylomorphism were condemned by ecclesiastical authorities in Paris and Oxford in 1277.
Answer: True
The condemnation of 1277, issued by ecclesiastical authorities in Paris and Oxford, targeted certain propositions within Aquinas's philosophy, including those concerning hylomorphism, though these condemnations were later rescinded.
Pope Leo XIII's encyclical *Aeterni Patris* in 1879 initiated a revival of Thomism.
Answer: True
Pope Leo XIII's encyclical *Aeterni Patris* (1879) marked a significant revival of Thomism, promoting its study and influence within Catholic intellectual traditions, leading to the development of Neo-Thomism.
Existential Thomism, associated with Étienne Gilson, emphasizes Aquinas's doctrine of being as essence rather than existence.
Answer: False
Existential Thomism, notably associated with Étienne Gilson, emphasizes Aquinas's doctrine of being as existence (*actus essendi*), highlighting the primacy of existence in Aquinas's metaphysical framework.
River Forest Thomism posits that metaphysics is epistemologically prior to the natural sciences.
Answer: False
River Forest Thomism, also known as Laval Thomism, posits that the natural sciences are epistemologically prior to metaphysics, emphasizing the Aristotelian foundations of Aquinas's thought.
Transcendental Thomism seeks to reconcile Thomism with modern philosophy, engaging with subject-centered approaches.
Answer: True
Transcendental Thomism, associated with figures like Karl Rahner, endeavors to harmonize Thomistic philosophy with modern philosophical traditions, particularly engaging with subject-centered methodologies.
Analytical Thomism integrates the methods of contemporary analytical philosophy with the concepts of Aquinas.
Answer: True
Analytical Thomism represents a movement that integrates the methodologies and concerns of contemporary analytical philosophy with the conceptual framework of Thomas Aquinas.
The Twenty-Four Thomistic Theses were formulated to critique Aquinas's philosophy in the 19th century.
Answer: False
The Twenty-Four Thomistic Theses were established in the early 20th century, specifically in 1914 by Pope Pius X, to articulate and safeguard the fundamental principles of Thomas Aquinas's thought.
The condemnation of 1277, listing Thomistic propositions, was later revoked after Aquinas's canonization.
Answer: True
The condemnation of 1277, which included Thomistic propositions, was later rescinded following the canonization of Thomas Aquinas in 1323, signifying a shift in the reception of his work.
The Corpus Thomisticum is a collection of commentaries on Aquinas's works by later scholars.
Answer: False
The Corpus Thomisticum is a comprehensive collection of Thomas Aquinas's own writings, serving as a primary resource for studying his philosophical and theological output.
What was the impact of the 1277 condemnation on Aquinas's work?
Answer: It listed propositions deemed heretical, but was later revoked.
The condemnation of 1277, which included Thomistic propositions, was later rescinded following the canonization of Thomas Aquinas in 1323, signifying a shift in the reception of his work.
What is the primary purpose of the 'Corpus Thomisticum'?
Answer: To serve as a resource for studying Thomas Aquinas's complete works.
The Corpus Thomisticum is a comprehensive collection of Thomas Aquinas's own writings, serving as a primary resource for studying his philosophical and theological output.
Neo-Scholastic Thomism, emerging in the 19th century, primarily focused on:
Answer: Critiquing modern philosophy and articulating orthodox Thomism.
Neo-Scholastic Thomism, also known as Neo-Thomism, emerged in the 19th century with a focus on articulating a rigorous system of orthodox Thomism to critique modern philosophy.
Which school of Thomism emphasizes the importance of Aquinas's doctrine of being as existence (*actus essendi*)?
Answer: Existential Thomism
Existential Thomism, notably associated with Étienne Gilson, emphasizes Aquinas's doctrine of being as existence (*actus essendi*), highlighting the primacy of existence in Aquinas's metaphysical framework.
What is the central tenet of River Forest Thomism?
Answer: The natural sciences are epistemologically prior to metaphysics.
River Forest Thomism, also known as Laval Thomism, posits that the natural sciences are epistemologically prior to metaphysics, emphasizing the Aristotelian foundations of Aquinas's thought.
Transcendental Thomism, associated with figures like Karl Rahner, seeks to reconcile Thomism with which philosophical tradition?
Answer: Modern philosophy, particularly Cartesian and Kantian thought
Transcendental Thomism endeavors to harmonize Thomistic philosophy with modern philosophical traditions, particularly engaging with subject-centered methodologies like Cartesian and Kantian thought.
The Eastern Orthodox Church condemned Thomism in 1368 for prioritizing pagan philosophers over Church Fathers.
Answer: True
The Eastern Orthodox Church's criticism of Thomism centered on its perceived overemphasis on pagan philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, at the expense of the Church Fathers. This critique culminated in a condemnation at a Patriarchal Synod in 1368.
Vladimir Lossky criticized the Thomistic explanation of Transubstantiation for being too simplistic and lacking metaphysical depth.
Answer: False
Vladimir Lossky, an Eastern Orthodox theologian, criticized the Thomistic explanation of Transubstantiation for rationalizing the sacrament and reducing it to an 'atomistic miracle,' arguing that the Orthodox Church does not require such a metaphysical theory.
Martin Luther criticized the Thomistic method for relying heavily on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.
Answer: False
Martin Luther criticized the Thomistic method for its perceived reliance on 'proof by assertion' and style over substance, suggesting it led to shallowness in theological discourse rather than an overemphasis on empirical evidence.
What was the Eastern Orthodox Church's criticism of Thomism?
Answer: It prioritized pagan philosophers over the Church Fathers.
The Eastern Orthodox Church's criticism of Thomism centered on its perceived overemphasis on pagan philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, at the expense of the Church Fathers.
What criticism did Vladimir Lossky level against the Thomistic explanation of Transubstantiation?
Answer: It rationalized the sacrament, reducing it to an 'atomistic miracle'.
Vladimir Lossky criticized the Thomistic explanation of Transubstantiation for rationalizing the sacrament and reducing it to an 'atomistic miracle,' arguing that the Orthodox Church does not require such a metaphysical theory.
What did Martin Luther criticize about the Thomistic method of theological debate?
Answer: Its perceived reliance on 'proof by assertion' and style over substance.
Martin Luther criticized the Thomistic method for its perceived reliance on 'proof by assertion' and style over substance, suggesting it led to shallowness in theological discourse.