Faith And Reason and Thomas Aquinas’s Philosophy

Developing a personal philosophy of life often leads individuals to encounter the ideas of faith and reason in the works of Thomas Aquinas. While many are familiar with these concepts, their deeper significance in Aquinas’s philosophy is not always fully understood. Gaining a clear understanding of how faith and reason interact can profoundly influence the way we shape our own philosophical outlook. This article examines Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy, the relationship between faith and reason, and their importance in the development of a meaningful philosophy of life.

Key features of Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian who is best known for blending Christian theology with the ideas of ancient Greek philosophy, particularly those of Aristotle. One of his most influential contributions was his work on natural law, which asserts that moral principles are part of the natural order and can be understood through reason. Aquinas believed that humans, by using their intellect, could identify what is good and act in accordance with their purpose in life.

He also developed the famous “Five Ways” to prove the existence of God, which are logical arguments based on observation of the world. These include ideas such as the “Unmoved Mover” (everything in motion must have been set in motion by something else) and the “First Cause” (everything has a cause, but there must be an original cause that itself is uncaused).

Aquinas emphasized the harmony between faith and reason, arguing that they are not opposed but complement each other. For him, while faith provides spiritual truths, reason helps to explore and understand the natural world, leading to a fuller understanding of God.

Overall, his philosophy combines rigorous logic with deep spirituality, laying a foundation for much of modern Christian thought and influencing thinkers for centuries.

What is faith and reason?

Thomas Aquinas believed that faith and reason are interconnected and both come from God, but they serve different roles. Reason is a natural faculty of the human mind that helps us understand the world and seek truth through observation and logic. Faith, on the other hand, is a gift from God that allows people to believe in truths that go beyond what reason alone can explain. Aquinas argued that these two are not in conflict but complement each other. He thought reason could prepare the mind to accept faith by helping people recognize the existence of a higher power and the order of creation. Once faith is accepted, it can guide and extend the understanding of truths that reason cannot reach on its own. According to Aquinas, using both faith and reason together allows for a fuller understanding of reality and divine truth.

This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. One instance of Thomas Aquinas’s ideas about faith and reason can be seen in his explanation of how both work together harmoniously. He believed that reason can lead people to conclude that God exists by observing the natural world. For example, he pointed to the complexity and order of the universe, suggesting that it must have been created by an intelligent being, which he identified as God. While reason can provide evidence of God’s existence, faith goes further, offering insights into truths that cannot be fully understood through reason alone. For instance, the concept of the Holy Trinity is not something human reason can fully grasp, but Aquinas saw faith as the bridge that allows believers to accept and trust in these divine mysteries. Through this, Aquinas highlighted the complementary roles of faith and reason in understanding both the natural and the divine.

Challenges to Thomas Aquinas’s view about faith and reason

Philosophers who object to or reject Thomas Aquinas’s perspective on faith and reason often do so because they view the relationship between the two as problematic. A common critique is that blending faith and reason creates a conflict between subjective belief and objective evidence. Critics argue that faith, by its very nature, relies on trust in truths that are not necessarily verifiable, while reason demands evidence and logical coherence. These critics assert that combining the two could undermine the independence and rigor of rational inquiry by allowing unprovable beliefs to influence logical thinking.

Another concern raised by some philosophers is that relying on faith gives precedence to religious authority over independent thought. They fear that incorporating faith into philosophical reasoning may hinder critical thinking and lead to dogmatism, where beliefs are accepted without proper questioning. This is often seen as a threat to intellectual freedom and the secular foundation of rational investigation.

Additionally, some philosophers argue that intertwining faith and reason assumes that religious truths can be universally applicable, a claim not shared by all belief systems. Since different religions often present conflicting doctrines based on faith, critics worry that reconciling faith with reason could lead to a biased or exclusive perspective. For them, it is better to keep the two realms entirely separate to ensure that reason remains impartial and accessible to everyone, regardless of their religious or non-religious background.

Finally, sceptics of Aquinas’s approach might question whether reason is even capable of addressing matters of faith. They argue that faith often deals with mysteries and spiritual truths that lie beyond the natural limits of human understanding. From this viewpoint, attempting to rationalize faith could misrepresent its essence, reducing it to something it was never intended to be. For such critics, faith is better left as a personal, intuitive experience that does not require validation through reason.

These objections highlight the tension between belief and rationality, emphasizing the challenges in balancing faith and reason as compatible ways of understanding the world.

Why faith and reason is important to Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concepts of faith and reason is essential to comprehending Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy.

1. Faith and reason help bridge the natural and supernatural realms

Faith and reason are crucial tools in understanding how ideas can connect the natural world to the supernatural. Reason allows people to explore, analyze, and understand what is observable and logical. Faith, on the other hand, goes beyond the limits of what can be seen or proven, offering a way to accept truths that reason alone might not explain. Together, these two concepts provide a means to consider both the physical and the metaphysical aspects of existence. This blending can make the relationship between belief in divine truths and human comprehension feel more accessible for those trying to harmonize spiritual beliefs with intellectual thought.

2. They offer a framework for understanding how knowledge grows

Faith and reason provide a structure for considering how humans come to know things and advance their understanding of the world. Reason operates through inquiry, discovery, and logical progression, while faith trusts in truths that may be given through revelation or belief. When seen together, faith and reason create a more complete way of thinking about knowledge, showing how one can build upon the other. This interplay can reveal that intellectual progress doesn’t have to contradict belief, and belief might inspire questions that lead to further learning and curiosity.

3. They encourage a balanced approach to thinking and belief

Balancing faith and reason encourages people to avoid extremes of relying solely on logic or blind belief. Reason alone might dismiss ideas that can’t be demonstrated empirically, while exclusive reliance on faith might reject useful insights gained through analysis and discovery. A balance between these two approaches promotes open-mindedness and careful reflection when considering complex questions about life, existence, and purpose. Fostering this balance can make philosophical discussions deeper and more meaningful.

Contrasting Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy with Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophy

Søren Kierkegaard and Thomas Aquinas both addressed the relationship between faith and reason, yet their perspectives diverged significantly. Kierkegaard emphasized the leap of faith, highlighting that faith is inherently subjective and cannot be fully understood or justified by human reason. He argued that faith involves a personal and passionate commitment to belief, even when it appears to contradict rational thought or lacks objective evidence. For Kierkegaard, the act of faith arises from an individual’s existential struggle, rooted in confronting doubt and despair, and is not something that can be entirely reconciled with reason.

On the other hand, the contrast with Aquinas lies in Kierkegaard’s focus on the tension between faith and reason. Kierkegaard placed substantial importance on the concept of the “absurd”—believing in something beyond reason, especially in his exploration of Christianity. Faith, in his view, often required embarking on this paradoxical path, which reason alone could not traverse.

This difference highlights how Aquinas integrated and balanced faith with reason, while Kierkegaard emphasized their separation. Kierkegaard’s philosophy pushes the idea that faith occupies a realm beyond reason’s reach, focusing on the deeply personal and spiritual challenge faith presents. This distinction underscores his existential approach, contrasting sharply with Aquinas’s more systematic and harmonious treatment of faith and reason.

Faith And Reason, Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy and the meaning of life

Reflecting on Thomas Aquinas’s perspective, even without fully agreeing with it, offers valuable lessons for those striving to live a more meaningful life. The importance of reflecting on such ideas lies in the opportunity they provide to think deeply about how we approach life’s bigger questions and challenges. His thoughts about faith and reason touch on themes that are timeless and applicable to anyone seeking purpose or alignment in their beliefs and actions.

Taking the time to consider philosophical perspectives like Aquinas’s can encourage you to reflect on how you balance intuition, belief, and rational thinking in your own life. For example, many of us face decisions or challenges that require both trust in something larger than ourselves as well as logical reasoning to move forward. Thinking about the connection between these two approaches can help provide clarity on the kind of person you want to be and how you wish to approach the world. Even if you don’t agree with his conclusions, engaging with his thoughts challenges you to examine your own assumptions and refine your perspectives.

Additionally, this type of reflection often leads to a greater sense of humility. Life is full of uncertainties, and taking time to consider these complex ideas reminds us that our understanding is never entirely complete. Philosophical thought encourages a mindset of continuous learning and openness, both of which are essential to living meaningfully. When we thoughtfully engage with different views, whether ancient or modern, we broaden our thinking and prepare ourselves to act with greater wisdom and intention in all aspects of life.

Finally, exploring questions about faith, reason, and purpose fosters a deeper connection with others. Everyone, in some form, wrestles with the search for meaning, and understanding different philosophical approaches can create opportunities for empathy, dialogue, and shared growth. This ability to connect with others meaningfully enriches our lives, building relationships that are rooted in understanding and respect.

Ultimately, whether or not you align with the views of Thomas Aquinas, reflecting on his philosophy allows you to engage with fundamental questions about who you are and how you make sense of the world. It supports the pursuit of a thoughtful and purposeful life that values intellectual exploration, personal growth, and meaningful connections with others.

Further reading

Aquinas, T. (2002). Summa Theologiae. Cambridge University Press.

Aquinas, T. (1999). On Faith and Reason. Hackett Publishing Company.

Bauerschmidt, F. C. (2013). Thomas Aquinas: Faith, Reason, and Following Christ. Oxford University Press.

Davies, B. (1993). The Thought of Thomas Aquinas. Oxford University Press.

Gilson, É. (1956). The Christian Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas. University of Notre Dame Press.

Kenny, A. (2003). Aquinas on Being. Clarendon Press.

Kretzmann, N., & Stump, E. (Eds.). (1993). The Cambridge Companion to Aquinas. Cambridge University Press.

McInerny, R. (1998). Aquinas and Analogy. Catholic University of America Press.

Owens, J. (1994). St. Thomas Aquinas on the Existence of God. State University of New York Press.

Pasnau, R., & Shields, C. (2004). The Philosophy of Aquinas. Westview Press.

Stump, E. (2003). Aquinas. Routledge.

Te Velde, R. (2006). Participation and Substantiality in Thomas Aquinas. Brill Academic Publishers.