The Prime Mover and Thomas Aquinas’s Philosophy

Understanding the concept of the prime mover is essential to fully appreciating the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas. This idea plays a crucial role in his philosophical framework and holds significant importance for those working to develop their own philosophy of life. Gaining a clear understanding of this concept can profoundly influence how we shape and refine our personal perspectives. This article will explore Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy, the principle of the prime mover, and their relevance to the broader development of a philosophy of life.

Key features of Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian whose ideas became central to Christian thought. One of his key contributions was combining faith and reason, showing that they work together rather than conflict. He believed that truths of faith, like the existence of God, could also be understood through reason and observation of the natural world. Aquinas developed five famous arguments for God’s existence, known as the “Five Ways,” which used logic and evidence from nature to demonstrate God’s presence.

Another important aspect of his philosophy is natural law. Aquinas argued that humans, guided by reason, can determine what is morally right based on the natural order created by God. He saw morality as rooted in the idea that all actions should align with our ultimate purpose, which is achieving happiness and closeness to God.

Aquinas also had a detailed view of the human soul and its connection to the body. He described humans as having both a physical and spiritual nature, emphasizing that the soul gives life to the body while also being capable of understanding and free will.

His works, especially the famous “Summa Theologica,” continue to influence theology, philosophy, and ethics, setting a foundation for discussions about morality and human nature. By blending theological beliefs with rational thought, Aquinas bridged the gap between faith and intellectual exploration, shaping Western thought for centuries.

What is the prime mover?

Thomas Aquinas, a medieval philosopher and theologian, presented the idea of the prime mover as part of his arguments for the existence of God. He believed that everything in the universe is in motion or subject to change. According to Aquinas, this motion cannot begin on its own but must be caused by something else. This leads to a chain of causes, where each movement is the result of a prior one. However, Aquinas argued that this chain could not go back infinitely because there must be a starting point or origin to all motion.

This starting point, which itself is not moved or changed by anything else, is what Aquinas called the prime mover. For him, the prime mover is necessary to explain why there is motion in the first place. Without it, there would be no explanation for how the sequence of changes began. The prime mover is not just the start but also the ultimate source of all motion and change in the universe. Aquinas viewed the prime mover as something that exists independently, unchanging, and capable of initiating movement without being moved. His concept of the prime mover was central to his philosophical reasoning about the nature of existence and the cause of everything in the world.

This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. Thomas Aquinas’s view about the prime mover can be illustrated through the analogy of a train. Imagine a series of train cars being pulled along a track. Each car in the train moves forward because it is being pulled by the car in front of it. However, the movement of the entire train relies ultimately on the locomotive at the front, which provides the power to move everything else. Without the locomotive, none of the train cars would move, no matter how many there are. Similarly, Aquinas argued that everything in existence is set into motion by something else, but there must be a “first mover” that itself is not moved by anything else, acting as the ultimate source of motion for everything in the universe. This straightforward analogy helps encapsulate the essence of his argument without overly complex terminology.

Challenges to Thomas Aquinas’s view about the prime mover

Some philosophers have raised objections to Thomas Aquinas’s view about the prime mover for various reasons, often rooted in differing perspectives about the nature of existence, causality, and the universe itself. One common objection is rooted in the idea that the concept of a prime mover assumes the necessity of an ultimate cause, but this assumption is not universally accepted. Critics argue that the universe may not require a single, definitive cause to exist. Instead, they suggest that existence could be explained by an infinite regress of causes or by a framework that does not rely on causality as we traditionally understand it.

Another objection comes from philosophers who reject the need to invoke metaphysical or supernatural explanations for natural phenomena. From this perspective, using the concept of a prime mover is seen as unnecessary or unfounded. These philosophers may argue that scientific explanations, like those provided by physics and cosmology, make the idea of a prime mover redundant. They believe that relying solely on naturalistic explanations can avoid introducing potentially unverifiable metaphysical claims.

Some philosophers also challenge the coherence of the idea of a prime mover itself. If the prime mover is said to be the “unmoved” initiator of motion or existence, questions arise about how such a being could exist outside the rules of causality while still affecting the universe. This leads to concerns about whether the concept is internally consistent or understandable within the limits of human reasoning.

Finally, others reject the prime mover because it is seen as tied to a particular theological framework, which they might not share. They argue that the concept is not universal but rather dependent on specific religious or philosophical traditions. For these philosophers, the prime mover might seem like an arbitrary concept, privileging one worldview over countless others.

These objections highlight the diversity of thought within philosophy, reflecting different approaches to understanding the universe and our place within it. The disagreements often stem from fundamental assumptions about what counts as a sufficient explanation and whether the concept of a prime mover is necessary, meaningful, or even possible.

Why the prime mover is important to Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

These are several essential reasons why grasping the concept of the prime mover is crucial to comprehending Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy.

1. Foundation for Understanding Cause and Effect

The concept of the prime mover helps explain the principle of cause and effect. It introduces the idea that everything in the universe has a reason or cause for its existence. By understanding the prime mover as the ultimate source of motion or change, this concept provides a way to think about why things happen or exist in the first place. This is important because it offers a starting point for a logical framework to understand the chain of causes that occur in the world. Without a prime mover, people might struggle to explain how motion or change began, leading to an infinite regress of causes. The idea simplifies this complexity by pointing to the necessity of a single cause that doesn’t require further explanation.

2. Connection Between Philosophy and Theology

The prime mover is essential in bridging philosophy and theology. While the idea originates in a philosophical context, its application creates a link to theological concepts, giving a philosophical foundation for thinking about the divine. It provides a rational approach to understanding fundamental truths about the world that aligns with the idea of a higher power or ultimate being. This connection between reason and belief is crucial for integrating philosophical methods of inquiry into a spiritual framework. The prime mover enables discussions about existence and the universe to be based on both logic and faith, offering a path for dialogue between different disciplines.

3. A Logical Framework for Explaining the Universe

The concept of the prime mover provides a logical framework for thinking about the origins and order of the universe. It offers an explanatory model that avoids relying on randomness or chaos, suggesting that there is an intentional and organized source at the root of all things. This helps people to engage with questions about why the universe exists and operates the way it does in a structured and thoughtful way. By giving people a logical tool to analyze the natural world and its processes, the prime mover idea sets the foundation for deeper inquiry into metaphysics and the nature of reality.

Contrasting Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy with Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz both explored profound ideas about the origins of the universe and the concept of divine causation, but their approaches and focuses were distinct. While Aquinas argued for the necessity of a “prime mover” or “unmoved mover” to explain the motion and change we observe in the natural world, Leibniz took a different path by emphasizing reason and metaphysical principles. Leibniz is best known for his Principle of Sufficient Reason, which posits that everything must have a reason or cause for its existence. This principle guided his philosophy, where he framed God as the ultimate reason for why the universe exists in its particular form.

Aquinas’s view of the prime mover focuses on explaining why there is motion or change at all, grounding his argument in a hierarchical chain of causation that requires a beginning point. On the other hand, Leibniz examined the universe through logical structures, proposing that God created the “best possible world” driven by rational necessity. This reflects Leibniz’s belief in an orderly, reasoned universe designed by a perfect God. While Aquinas’s arguments are more rooted in observable phenomena and their causes, Leibniz’s perspective leans heavily on logical and metaphysical inquiry into why there is something rather than nothing. Both philosophers affirm the role of a divine being, but they differ in their methods and the types of questions they prioritize in their philosophical investigations.

The Prime Mover, Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy and the philosophy of life

Reflecting on Thomas Aquinas’s view about the prime mover, whether or not you agree with it, can play an important role in developing your personal philosophy of life. It invites you to think deeply about the fundamental questions of existence, such as why anything exists at all or what causes things to happen. Even if you do not accept Aquinas’s conclusion, engaging with his ideas encourages you to form your own beliefs by questioning and reasoning through big concepts about life, the universe, and your place in it.

Practical importance lies in the act of reflection itself. Considering Aquinas’s philosophy helps exercise your critical thinking skills, pushing you to examine the foundations of your values and assumptions. Life is filled with challenges and uncertainties, and having a thoughtfully built philosophy helps guide your decisions and actions. By reflecting on ideas like the prime mover, you are not only exploring abstract concepts but also building a framework to approach practical issues, such as how to live a good life, what responsibilities you have to others, or what brings meaning to your existence.

Additionally, reflecting on different philosophical perspectives—like Aquinas’s—fosters a sense of intellectual humility. You recognize that humans have been pondering these big questions for centuries, and there is rarely one clear, definitive answer. This openness can make you more receptive to other viewpoints, helping you grow as a person and develop empathy for others’ beliefs and experiences. Such qualities are invaluable as you build relationships, face ethical dilemmas, or strive to make sense of the world.

Ultimately, whether you agree with Aquinas or not, engaging with his philosophy gives you a chance to refine your own perspective. It helps you grapple with life’s most profound questions and craft a philosophy that feels authentic and meaningful to you. This process is like equipping yourself with a compass for life—to help guide you through its complexities with greater clarity and purpose.

Further reading

Aquinas, T. (1947). Summa Theologica (Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province). Benziger Brothers.

Aristotle. (1998). The Metaphysics (H. Lawson-Tancred, Trans.). Penguin Classics.

Davies, B. (2004). The Thought of Thomas Aquinas. Oxford University Press.

Feser, E. (2009). Aquinas: A Beginner’s Guide. Oneworld Publications.

Gilson, É. (1956). The Christian Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas. Random House.

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

Kretzmann, N. (1999). The Metaphysics of Theism: Aquinas’s Natural Theology in Summa Contra Gentiles. Oxford University Press.

McCabe, H. (2005). On Aquinas. Continuum.

Owens, J. (1980). St. Thomas Aquinas on the Existence of God. SUNY Press.

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

Wippel, J. F. (2000). The Metaphysical Thought of Thomas Aquinas: From Finite Being to Uncreated Being. Catholic University of America Press.