Hierarchy Of Being and Thomas Aquinas’s Philosophy

Write an introductory paragraph using easy to understand language and a formal tone rephrasing the statement: ‘Many people learning about philosophy in order to live a more meaningful life have gotten confused by how much information there is out there. It’s time to get back to the fundamentals, including reflecting on Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy and the idea of hierarchy of being. It makes a significant difference to the way we are able to make use of philosophy in our pursuit of living a more meaningful life if we properly get to know about this idea. This article explores Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy, the idea of hierarchy of being, and their relevance to the philosophical pursuit of living a more meaningful life.’

Key features of Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian whose ideas have greatly influenced Western thought. One of his key contributions was the integration of faith and reason. He believed that both could coexist and support each other, with reason helping to explain and understand faith. His most famous work, Summa Theologica, outlines his ideas about God, morality, and the natural world.

Aquinas developed the concept of “natural law,” which argues that there are universal moral principles rooted in human nature that can be discovered through reason. These laws guide individuals toward good actions and away from evil. He also presented the “Five Ways,” a series of arguments for the existence of God based on observations of the natural world, such as the need for a first cause or an ultimate purpose.

Aquinas emphasized the importance of virtues, seeing them as habits that help humans live a good and moral life. He categorized them into theological virtues, like faith and charity, and cardinal virtues, such as prudence and justice. Ultimately, his philosophy sought to connect human understanding with divine truths, showing how people can seek knowledge and purpose while pursuing both reason and spiritual faith.

What is hierarchy of being?

Thomas Aquinas’s view on the hierarchy of being is rooted in his understanding of the natural order and the structure of reality. According to Aquinas, all things exist within a framework established by God, with each being having a specific place and role in the grand scheme of creation. He believed that this hierarchy reflects the varying degrees of perfection among beings, where some entities possess more complexity, power, and closeness to God than others. Aquinas explained that all beings derive their existence from God, who is the ultimate source of being and the highest point on the hierarchical scale.

At the core of this idea is Aquinas’s belief that every being has a purpose and contributes to the order of the universe. He saw this hierarchy as a natural reflection of the diversity and richness of creation, with everything fitting together in a purposeful and harmonious way. Each level in the hierarchy, according to Aquinas, depends on the level above it while also providing support to levels below it, symbolizing an interconnected structure. This perspective was a foundational part of his philosophy, offering a way to understand existence and the relationships between different forms of life and entities in the universe.

This idea can be demonstrated with the following example. Thomas Aquinas’s perspective on the hierarchy of being is often illustrated through the natural order present in the world. Imagine a simple chain of existence, where plants rely on sunlight and nutrients from the soil to grow, while animals depend on plants or other animals for sustenance. Humans, in turn, use reasoning and intellect to dominate this hierarchy, often shaping their environment and controlling other forms of life. Aquinas extended this concept further, suggesting that above all earthly beings are those of a spiritual nature, such as angels, occupying the highest levels of this chain, with God above everything as the ultimate source of all existence. This example underscores the idea of a structured and purposeful order where everything occupies its specific place and serves a designated role within the grand design of creation.

Challenges to Thomas Aquinas’s view about hierarchy of being

One of the main reasons some philosophers object to or reject Thomas Aquinas’s view is due to disagreements about the concept of a fixed and structured hierarchy. Critics argue that a rigid hierarchy of being implies a predetermined order to existence, which may not align with modern understandings of diversity and equality in the natural world. They contend that this structure assumes that some forms of existence are inherently “higher” or “better” than others, which can be problematic when applied to ethical or social contexts. This ranking can raise concerns about biases in how value is assigned to different beings or entities.

Another objection stems from the issue of anthropocentrism, or the belief that humans occupy a privileged position in existence. Philosophers who reject this view argue that placing human beings in a superior position undermines the intrinsic value of other forms of life. They advocate for a more egalitarian perspective, emphasizing interconnectedness and mutual dependence among all forms of life rather than a hierarchy.

Additionally, the idea of a hierarchy of being has been criticized for its reliance on metaphysical assumptions that are difficult to prove. Many modern thinkers prefer empirical and scientific approaches to understanding reality, which challenge the need for or validity of hierarchical classifications. They point out that nature often demonstrates complexity and interdependence rather than strict orders of superiority. For example, ecosystems function through balanced interactions rather than dominance of one being over another.

Finally, some philosophers believe that the concept of a hierarchy can stifle new ways of thinking about existence. By categorizing everything into levels, it risks oversimplifying the diversity and fluidity of life and existence. These critics argue that reality may not fit neatly into a hierarchical framework and that accepting this complexity allows for greater philosophical exploration.

Overall, objections to Aquinas’s hierarchy of being often center on concerns about fairness, the relevance of metaphysical ideas in the modern era, and a desire to see existence as more interconnected and fluid rather than rigidly ordered.

Why hierarchy of being is important to Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of the hierarchy of being is essential to comprehending Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy.

1. Clarifies the Organization of the Universe

The concept of a hierarchy of being is important for understanding how the universe is structured according to Aquinas’s philosophy. This idea proposes that all entities, from the least significant to the most eminent, exist in an ordered and purposeful way. By establishing such an organized framework, it becomes easier to see how different forms of existence fit together, ranging from living beings to inanimate objects. This hierarchy suggests a progression, where simpler forms of life give way to more complex and powerful forms, creating a sense of direction in the natural world. It provides a structured way to think about the relationships between humans, animals, plants, and the elements around them, giving clarity to the interconnectedness of all things.

2. Supports Understanding of Purpose and Value

Through the hierarchy of being, Aquinas’s philosophy emphasizes the notion that every part of the universe has a unique purpose and value. This idea helps to illuminate the role of individuals and various entities in the world. Instead of viewing existence as random or chaotic, this hierarchy offers a method to understand why different beings and objects exist in the first place. It allows for differentiation between lower and higher beings in terms of purpose, without dismissing the significance of any one part. By considering the value of each being within this structured order, it becomes easier to appreciate how everything contributes to the balance and function of the world.

Contrasting Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy with Baruch Spinoza’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas and Baruch Spinoza, though both influential philosophers, had drastically different perspectives on the nature of existence and the structure of reality. Aquinas proposed a hierarchical view of being, with God at the highest level, followed by angels, humans, animals, plants, and inanimate objects. This hierarchy reflects a structured and purposeful order where each being has its place, determined by its proximity to divine perfection. For Aquinas, every entity in the hierarchy relies on the existence of God, and the world is designed to reflect a connection between creation and the divine.

Spinoza, on the other hand, rejected such a hierarchical structure. Instead, he viewed all of existence as one unified substance, which he referred to as God or Nature. For Spinoza, everything—whether a human, a tree, or a stone—is an expression of this single substance. There is no “higher” or “lower” order of beings because all entities are fundamentally the same, differing only in the specific ways they express the underlying substance. This perspective contrasts sharply with Aquinas’s concept of hierarchy, as Spinoza saw no separation between God and the world or between different layers of being.

Thus, while Aquinas’s philosophy emphasizes a structured order centered on a transcendent God, Spinoza’s approach focuses on unity and the immanence of God within everything, effectively dissolving traditional notions of hierarchy.

Hierarchy Of Being, Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy and the meaning of life

Reflecting on Thomas Aquinas’s view about the hierarchy of being can be a thoughtful and meaningful exercise, regardless of whether you agree with it or not. At its core, examining ideas like these encourages us to consider the structure, purpose, and interconnectedness of life. Engaging with such philosophical perspectives helps us move beyond the surface level of existence and look deeper into what provides meaning and value to our lives. Even if you do not subscribe to the concept of a hierarchy of being, the process of reflecting on it challenges you to think about your own beliefs, values, and place within the world.

Practically, this reflection is important because it encourages introspection, a crucial aspect of personal growth and finding meaning. By contemplating where you fit in the grand scheme of things, you may uncover what truly matters to you and identify goals that align with your values. For instance, reflecting on ideas like interconnectedness and purpose might inspire you to prioritize relationships, contribute to your community, or seek a deeper understanding of yourself and others.

Additionally, engaging with philosophical ideas like these can expand your perspective. It encourages you to think about existence in ways that are not just self-centered but consider the broader picture. This wider lens can cultivate gratitude, empathy, and a sense of purpose. You begin to recognize that even small actions can have an impact on something larger than yourself, which can be empowering and deeply motivating.

Ultimately, thinking about these philosophical views can serve as a reminder of the importance of intentional living. Whether you agree with Thomas Aquinas or not, reflecting on the questions he raised helps clarify what it means to lead a meaningful life. It pushes you to identify your core beliefs and encourages you to actively shape the life you want to lead, grounded in those beliefs. Philosophy, at its best, is not about finding the “right” answers but about asking the questions that make you look inside yourself and understand the world in a more thoughtful way. Without this process of reflection, it’s easy to drift through the days without truly assessing what makes life meaningful—something no philosophy or hierarchy can decide for you, but something you can decide for yourself.

Further reading

Aquinas, T. (1945). Basic writings of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Edited by A.C. Pegis. Random House.

Aquinas, T. (1997). Summa theologica. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. Christian Classics.

Chenu, M.-D. (2002). Toward understanding Saint Thomas. Translated by A.-M. Landry & D. Hughes. Henry Regnery Company.

Deely, J. (2001). Four ages of understanding: The first postmodern survey of philosophy from ancient times to the turn of the twenty-first century. University of Toronto Press.

Gilson, É. (1952). Being and some philosophers. Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies.

Kerr, F. (2002). After Aquinas: Versions of Thomism. Blackwell Publishing.

Maritain, J. (1937). An introduction to philosophy. Sheed and Ward.

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

Pieper, J. (2009). The silence of St. Thomas. St. Augustine’s Press.