Thomas Aquinas: The Division and Methods of the Sciences (Mediaeval Sources in Translation) - Softcover

Aquinas, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0888442793 ISBN 13: 9780888442796

Publisher: Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, 1986

Synopsis

Questions v and vi of St. Thomas Aquinas’ Commentary on the De Trinitate of Boethius contain St. Thomas’ most comprehensive treatment of the classification of the theoretical sciences and description of their methods. They examine the meaning of knowledge and science, the distinction between practical and theoretical science, and the modes of procedure of the three main theoretical sciences: physics, mathematics and metaphysics. They also clarify the nature of an “intermediate science” (scientia media) partaking of both physics and mathematics.

The Questions are preceded by the text of Boethius’ De Trinitate which is the occasion of St. Thomas’ raising his Questions concerning science, and his literal commentary on the text. A comparison of the literal commentary with the questions that follow shows on the one hand St. Thomas’ dependence on the classical Boethian philosophy, and on the other his original development of that philosophy through his reading of philosophers like Aristotle and Avicenna and through his own personal insights.

Three appendices translate the division of the sciences in St. Thomas’ Commentary on Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, the nature of metaphysics in his Commentary on Aristotle’s Metaphysics, and the order of learning the sciences proposed in several of his works.

About this title

About the Author

Aquinas, while studying at the University of Naples, joined the Dominican monastic order in 1244. Under St. Albert the Great he embarked on a life of teaching, preaching, and writing. He was formally canonized in 1323.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0888442793
• ISBN 13: 9780888442796
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 119