The Soul And Body and Thomas Aquinas’s Philosophy

Philosophy is often studied by those seeking to live a more meaningful life, but many do not fully grasp the importance of the relationship between the soul and body in Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy. Understanding this concept is essential, as it profoundly shapes how we can apply philosophy to enrich our lives. This article examines Thomas Aquinas’s views, the connection between the soul and body, and their significance in the philosophical quest for a deeper and more meaningful existence.

Key features of Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas was a medieval philosopher and theologian whose work greatly influenced Western thought. He is best known for blending the philosophy of ancient Greek thinkers, particularly Aristotle, with Christian theology. One of his key ideas is the concept of natural law, which argues that there are universal moral principles derived from human nature and reason. Aquinas believed that these laws reflect God’s eternal law and help guide individuals to live virtuous lives.

Another important aspect of his philosophy is his “Five Ways,” which are logical arguments for the existence of God. These include ideas like the necessity of a first cause (everything has a cause, and this chain must begin with God) and the argument from design (the complexity and order of the universe suggest an intelligent designer). Aquinas also focused on the harmony between faith and reason, emphasizing that religion and science are not opposed but can complement each other.

Aquinas’s philosophy promotes the idea that all human actions are directed toward a final purpose, which he identifies as the ultimate happiness found in union with God. His work establishes a foundation for ethics, metaphysics, and theology, and his contributions remain deeply influential in both religious and philosophical circles.

What is the soul and body?

Thomas Aquinas believed that the soul and body are deeply connected and together form a single, unified being. According to his view, the soul is the essential principle of life and the source of a person’s intellect and will, while the body provides a necessary physical form for the person to exist in the world. Aquinas argued that the soul is immaterial and cannot be destroyed, giving it an eternal nature, while the body is material and perishable. However, he emphasized that the soul and body are not separate entities that merely interact; instead, the soul is the form of the body, meaning it gives the body its structure and purpose.

Aquinas saw the relationship between the two as cooperative, where the body allows the soul to perform actions in the material world, and the soul gives life and meaning to the body. He believed that both the soul and body are essential to human existence and that their unity reflects the complete nature of a person. For Aquinas, the separation of the soul from the body at death was temporary, as he maintained that they were meant to be reunited in the resurrection. His views highlight how closely connected the physical and spiritual aspects of a person are, reinforcing the idea of a harmonious unity between the two.

This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. Thomas Aquinas believed that the soul and body are deeply connected and cannot exist without one another. A classic example of this idea is how the soul is likened to the form of the body, much like a blueprint defines the structure of a building. Imagine a craftsman designing a chair—the blueprint guides its creation, and without it, the chair’s existence would lack purpose or order. Similarly, Aquinas viewed the soul as what gives the body its essence and function. For instance, he suggested that the soul is responsible for life, reasoning, and meaningful human actions. Without the soul, the body is incomplete, just as a chair without a design would be meaningless. This illustration reflects how Aquinas saw the close unity between physical existence and the intangible essence of being.

Challenges to Thomas Aquinas’s view about the soul and body

Philosophers who object to or reject Thomas Aquinas’s views often do so because they question the underlying assumptions about the relationship between the soul and body. Some critics argue that this view relies too heavily on a metaphysical framework that is outdated or incompatible with modern scientific understanding of human beings. For instance, the idea of a distinct, unified “soul” is not something that can be directly observed or measured, making it challenging for thinkers who prioritize empirical evidence to accept.

Another common point of criticism is that this perspective can be seen as dualistic, which implies a separation or distinction between the soul and body, even if Aquinas’s framework does aim for a kind of unity. Philosophers who favour materialism, the view that everything about human existence can be explained in terms of physical matter and processes, may reject the need for a non-physical component like the soul altogether. They argue that cognitive functions and consciousness can eventually be fully explained by neuroscience, biology, and other scientific disciplines, making the concept of the soul superfluous.

Ethical and cultural implications also play a role in these objections. Some thinkers worry that linking human identity closely to a soul could lead to unhelpful or exclusionary perspectives, such as undervaluing the physical body or ignoring its importance in shaping identity and human experience. Others may view the notion of a soul as too closely tied to religious traditions, which might not align with secular or pluralistic approaches to philosophy.

Lastly, some philosophers suggest that such views do not adequately account for the complexities of human life. They may prefer frameworks that include social, psychological, and environmental factors in understanding what it means to be human, rather than emphasizing a metaphysical concept like the soul. This broader perspective is seen as more practical and reflective of how people experience their lives in diverse contexts. These objections challenge the relevance and validity of views that emphasize the soul’s role in human existence.

Why the soul and body is important to Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy

These are some of the primary reasons why grasping the concept of the soul and body is essential to comprehending Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy.

1. Provides a Framework for Understanding Human Nature

The idea of the soul and body is crucial for discussing human nature in philosophy. It helps explain what makes humans unique by exploring the connection between physical existence and intangible aspects like consciousness, emotions, and reasoning. Many philosophical discussions revolve around this duality and how the soul and body interact to create a complete human experience. This framework offers a way to think about what it means to be human, going beyond the material world to include elements that cannot be physically measured yet are central to how we perceive ourselves and others.

2. Bridges the Gap Between Science and Spirituality

The concept of the soul and body connects the physical and spiritual dimensions of life. It allows for discussions that look at humans as a combination of measurable, biological structures (the body) and non-material aspects such as thoughts, beliefs, and morality (the soul). This dual perspective is significant because it opens the door to understanding human existence as more than just physical processes. It enables a dialogue between philosophical, scientific, and religious ideas while exploring the complexities of human life.

3. Explores the Relationship Between Mind and Identity

Discussions about the soul and body aid in examining how the immaterial aspects of a person, such as the mind or soul, contribute to personal identity. By considering how these two elements interact, it becomes easier to analyze questions of self-awareness, memory, and individuality. Philosophical exploration of this relationship encourages a better understanding of what creates a sense of “self” and how it persists over time, even as the physical body changes. This allows people to reflect on the connections between their inner and outer worlds.

Contrasting Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy with René Descartes ‘s philosophy

Thomas Aquinas and René Descartes had fundamentally different ways of thinking about the relationship between the soul and the body. Aquinas believed in a deep connection between the two, viewing the soul and body as forming a single unit. For him, the soul is the form of the body, meaning it gives life and function to the body, and they work together as one. This perspective emphasizes harmony and integration.

Descartes, on the other hand, proposed a dualistic approach, where the soul (or mind) and the body are two entirely distinct substances. According to Descartes, the mind is immaterial, and its purpose is thinking, while the body is material and governed by physical processes. He argued that the two interact but are inherently separate, with the mind controlling the body, as though the two were independent entities.

This key difference highlights how Aquinas and Descartes viewed the human person. Aquinas saw human nature as unified, where soul and body are inseparable components of a single being. Descartes, however, introduced a split, focusing more on the independence of the mind. These contrasting views have shaped philosophical debates for centuries, influencing the way people think about human identity, consciousness, and the nature of life itself.

The Soul And Body, Thomas Aquinas’s philosophy and the meaning of life

Reflecting on Thomas Aquinas’s views about the soul and body, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with them, can be a valuable exercise in shaping a more meaningful life. At its core, this reflection invites us to consider the deeper connections between our physical existence and our inner selves, pushing us to think about what it truly means to live with purpose and intention. Even without adopting Aquinas’s philosophy, engaging with such ideas reminds us to question how we balance the physical and spiritual aspects of life. Are we giving adequate attention to our inner growth alongside our outward experiences? These are the kinds of questions that can help enrich our lives with deeper awareness.

Considering these ideas allows us to pause and reflect on how we prioritize and define what is meaningful. For example, in the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in physical concerns—our careers, material possessions, and day-to-day responsibilities—while neglecting the development of our inner values or personal sense of fulfillment. Reflecting on the relationship between the inner self and outer world encourages us to seek alignment between our actions and our deeper aspirations. This might involve cultivating stronger relationships, pursuing personal passions, or simply taking time to be present and mindful in our daily lives.

Additionally, such reflections encourage us to appreciate the complexity of our existence. Thinking about the idea of the soul and body challenges us to elevate our perspective beyond mere survival or surface-level achievements. It asks us to evaluate what truly brings us joy, peace, and connection. It can push us to live with greater authenticity, integrating our physical experiences with our values, beliefs, and sense of purpose.

Ultimately, reflecting on Aquinas’s ideas can serve as a catalyst for living with greater intentionality. Even without agreeing with his perspective, the act of engaging with these concepts opens the door to new insights about our own lives. It reminds us to seek harmony—not just between the soul and body, but between who we are and how we choose to live. This kind of reflection can inspire a richer, more meaningful existence, rooted in both self-awareness and a commitment to living well.

Further reading

Aquinas, T. (2000). Summa Theologica. Christian Classics.

Davies, B. (1992). The Thought of Thomas Aquinas. Oxford University Press.

Kenny, A. J. P. (1993). Aquinas on Mind. Routledge.

MacDonald, S. (1993). Being and Goodness: The Concept of the Good in Metaphysics and Philosophical Theology. Cornell University Press.

Pasnau, R. (2002). Thomas Aquinas on Human Nature. Cambridge University Press.

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

Wippel, J. F. (2000). The Metaphysical Thought of Thomas Aquinas. Catholic University of America Press.