87 pages • 2 hours read
Summa Theologica
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Essay Topics
Discuss the Scholastic method of objections and answers. Does it contribute to the effectiveness of the argument, to your way of thinking? Why or why not?
According to Aquinas, what part does pleasure play in human happiness? Does pleasure relate only to the body, or to the soul also?
What importance does the Treatise on the Angels play in the entire scheme of the Summa? Why might Aquinas have decided to devote such a sizeable portion of his work to this topic?
In your view, does Aquinas maintain clear distinctions between philosophy and theology in the Summa? Does one seem to take precedence over the other?
What does “soul” denote for Aquinas?
Why does Aquinas often discuss the “end” of a particular thing first, before discussing other things about it?
Discuss the overall structure of the Summa, and why Aquinas might have chosen this structure. Think in particular of the progression from God to the Trinity to Creation and ending with Man. How does this reflect the medieval or Christian worldview?
What is Aquinas’ main view of predestination?
Some passages of the Summa presuppose an outdated understanding of science or anatomy (e.g., the theory of the humors as implied in the treatise on the passions in Part 2). In your opinion, does this diminish the validity or interest of those passages? Of the Summa as a whole? Why or why not?
In your view, is the appeal of the Summa limited to students of Catholic theology, or would it hold interest for readers and students in other fields or religious traditions? Why or why not?
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