Faith, Reason and Theology: Questions I-IV of His Commentary on the De Trinitate of BoethiusThe topics here are of vital interest to the Christian philosopher and theologian. Question 1 treats of the possibility of our knowing God, and the human limitations of this knowledge. Question 2 concerns theology as a science which reaches out to God by faith in his revealed word and uses philosophical reasoning to throw light on the contents of revelation. In Question 3 Aquinas takes up the nature of faith, showing its relation to religion and its necessity for the welfare of the human race. He argues for the catholicity or universality of the Christian faith and defends the orthodox teaching of the Trinity of Persons in the one God. Question 4 turns to a set of philosophical problems occasioned by Boethius' treatise on the Trinity: the factors that cause a plurality in general, specials and individuals. In this connection Aquinas makes one of his most controversial statements of the principle of individuation. |
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accidents agent intellect anima Aristotle Arius article as follows assent Augustine says Averroes Avicenna believe bodies Boethius called catholic Catholic faith Christ Christian Philosophy conclusion follows Consequently contrary creatures CSEL Decker differ in number difference of places different in genus diversity in genus diversity in number divine light divine realities division effect everything example existence fact Father genera gentiles Gilson Glossa ordinaria Holy Spirit human mind Ibid illumination inasmuch intelligible Jerome John Damascene know the truth knowable knowledge known lect Leonine matters of faith Maurer Metaph Metaphysics natural light natural reason Neoplatonic notion numerical diversity object Opposing Arguments perfection Peter Lombard primary Pseudo-Dionysius question religion Replies to Opposing sacred doctrine sacred Scripture sense Sent soul source of plurality species Summa theol teaching theologian theology Thomas Aquinas Thomas von Aquin treatise true understand understood unity William of Auvergne wisdom words worship Yves Congar