Summa Theologica
Unfinished summary of Catholic theology by Thomas Aquinas.
via Wikipedia: Five Ways (Aquinas) · see source
The Summa Theologiae or Summa Theologica (transl. 'Summary of Theology' or 'Theological Summary') is a compendium of all of the main theological teachings of the Catholic Church, presenting the reasoning for almost all points of Christian theology in the West. The work uses the form of scholastic disputation: a question is raised, the most serious objections are summarized, a correct answer is provided, then the objections are answered.
- field
- Scholastic theology, philosophy
- nationality
- Italian
- known_for
- Summa Theologiae, reconciling Aristotelian philosophy with Catholic theology
Lore & Background
The Summa is a more structured and expanded version of Aquinas's earlier Summa contra Gentiles, though the two were written for different purposes. The Five Ways appear in both the Summa Theologiae and the Summa contra Gentiles (Book I, Chapters 13-14), though they are presented in a more concise and structured form in the Summa Theologiae.
Reader's Guide
Topics follow a cycle: God; Creation, Man; Man's purpose; Christ; the Sacraments; and back to God. The work remains Aquinas's 'most perfect work, the fruit of his mature years, in which the thought of his whole life is condensed.' It is one of the classics of the history of philosophy and one of the most influential works of Western literature.
Did You Know?
- The Summa Theologiae uses the form of scholastic disputation: a question is raised, then the most serious objections are summarized, then a correct answer is provided, then the objections are answered.
- The Five Ways appear in both the Summa Theologiae and the Summa contra Gentiles (Book I, Chapters 13-14).
- Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy has been called 'the Summa in verse.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Summa Theologica?
It is an unfinished theological compendium authored by Thomas Aquinas that systematically presents the reasoning behind nearly every major doctrine of Western Christianity. The title essentially translates to 'Summary of Theology.'
What is the Summa Theologica's main purpose or role?
The work functions as a comprehensive argumentative guide to Catholic doctrine, most notably for weaving Aristotelian philosophical concepts into the framework of Church teaching. It became the standard reference for scholastic theology in the Western tradition.
How does the Summa Theologica's story end?
It has no traditional ending because the text is unfinished—Aquinas simply stopped writing before completing his planned sections. The work as it survives today cuts off mid-project, with no concluding volume.
Why is the Summa Theologica important in literary and philosophical history?
It established the scholastic disputation format—posing a question, listing objections, giving an answer, then resolving each objection—as a lasting model for structured philosophical argument. Its influence on Western theology and philosophy has persisted for over seven centuries.
Who wrote the Summa Theologica and what is it known for?
The Italian philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas composed the work, and he is most celebrated for it. It is recognized as the definitive systematic treatment of Catholic doctrine in the Western world.
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