Common Places Aquinas 201: Reading the Summa at the Next Level
Oct 13, 2023
Ryan Hurd, a systematic theologian steeped in Aquinas and medieval scholasticism, offers advanced tips for reading the Summa. David Haines, a philosopher-theologian focused on natural theology and law, responds. They explore the quaestio form, the role of authorities vs demonstrative reasons, how Scripture can anchor inquiry, comparisons with Bonaventure, and how to move beyond basics in reading Aquinas.
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Questions Have Two Sides And One True Determination
- Every quaestio has two contradictory parts (affirmation and negation) and one determination where the intellect is settled on the true part.
- Thomas emphasizes how reasons (volitional or intellectual) incline the will or intellect until sufficient reason yields scientia, e.g., Socrates is a man because he has human nature.
Authority First Then Demonstration Is The Magisterial Method
- Thomas distinguishes volitional (authority-driven) and intellectual (demonstrative) reasons as motives that determine judgment, and he prizes demonstrative reasons that give scientia.
- The master’s twofold task is to determine the question and then provide intellectual reasons so students gain understanding, not mere assent.
Use Authorities To Stabilize Then Seek Demonstration
- Use said contras to bind will to the true part before pursuing intellectual reasons; authorities serve as keys unlocking inquiry.
- Then pursue respondeo to supply demonstrative reasons so the student attains scientia, not mere opinion.
