by St. Thomas Aquinas
Introduction. Summa Theologica, Prima Pars, written by Thomas Aquinas, is a masterpiece of medieval Christian philosophy. “Prima Pars” is Latin for “First Part,” as this work is the first in a series of several major sections that comprise the Summa Theologica. Aquinas, an Italian Dominican friar and theologian who lived from 1225 to 1274, wrote this book in the 13th century, during a time when scholasticism was flourishing, and the Catholic Church heavily influenced European society. Summa Theologica was received with great enthusiasm by theologians and philosophers and has since become a foundational text in Western philosophical and theological thought.
Analysis. Summa Theologica, Prima Pars is structured in a question-and-answer format, with each question being subdivided into multiple articles. The book covers various themes, including the existence and nature of God, creation, angels, and the nature of the human soul. Aquinas presents his arguments using a combination of Aristotelian logic, scriptural references, and citations from other authoritative sources, such as the Church Fathers and philosophers like Cicero, Aristotle, and Augustine. Aquinas argues for the existence of a single, perfect, and unchangeable God who created the world and sustains it in existence. He also posits that angels are purely spiritual beings and that the human soul is immortal and capable of knowing God. Throughout the work, Aquinas seeks to harmonize faith and reason, affirming the importance of both in understanding the divine.
Evaluation. The structure of Aquinas’ arguments in the book is undeniably clear and methodical, evidently drawing inspiration from Cicero’s rhetorical style. The logic presented is consistently easy to follow, and Aquinas diligently sources other works, providing credit where it is due. Despite the challenges posed by some uncommon terminology, such as ‘suppositum’ and other terms coined by Aquinas, the book undoubtedly offers valuable insights into the development of medieval Christian philosophy and theology, regardless of one’s personal agreement or disagreement with the views expressed.
Conclusion. Summa Theologica, Prima Pars is a monumental work that systematically addresses a wide range of theological and philosophical questions from a Christian perspective. I would recommend this book to readers interested in deepening their understanding of medieval Christian philosophy and theology; however, they should be prepared for an exhaustingly voluminous read.