Summa Theologica
Unfinished summary of Catholic theology by Thomas Aquinas.
via Wikipedia: Five Ways (Aquinas) · see source
The *Summa Theologiae*, often called the *Summa Theologica* or simply the *Summa*, is the most famous work of Thomas Aquinas, a scholastic theologian and Doctor of the Church. It serves as a comprehensive compendium of the central theological teachings of the Catholic Church, presenting reasoned arguments for nearly all points of Western Christian theology. The work’s structure follows a cyclical pattern: beginning with God, it moves through Creation, Man, Man’s purpose, Christ, and the Sacraments, before returning to God. Although left unfinished at Aquinas’s death, it is considered a classic of philosophy and one of the most influential works in Western literature, representing the mature condensation of his life’s thought. The *Summa* is a more structured and expanded version of his earlier *Summa contra Gentiles*, written for different purposes. Throughout, Aquinas aims to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Catholic theology, citing the Bible, Church Fathers, and sources from Islamic, Jewish, and pre-Christian Greek and Roman traditions, though his most frequently referenced non-scriptural authorities are Aristotle (whom he calls “the Philosopher”) and Augustine. The work is a major inspiration for Thomistic philosophy and profoundly influenced Dante’s *Divine Comedy*, which has been called “the *Summa* in verse.” It remains a key reference in both Western and Eastern Catholic Churches and in mainline Protestant denominations for those studying for ordination or religious life. Aquinas began composing the *Summa* while teaching at the Santa Sabina studium provinciale in Italy, completing the first part and circulating it before returning to the University of Paris. He conceived it specifically for beginning students. The work is divided into three parts, subdivided into 614 questions and 3,125 articles. Each article follows a standard scholastic format: a series of objections to a conclusion, a short counter-statement citing authoritative sources, the author’s own reasoned answer beginning with “I answer that,” and individual replies to the objections.
- field
- Scholastic theology, philosophy
- nationality
- Italian
- known_for
- Summa Theologiae, reconciling Aristotelian philosophy with Catholic theology
Lore & Background
The *Summa Theologica* is a vast, unfinished compendium of Catholic theology, structured into three main parts, further divided into 614 questions and 3,125 articles. The First Part addresses God’s existence and nature, creation, angels, and humanity. The Second Part, split into two sub-parts, covers general moral principles (including a theory of law) and specific virtues and vices. The Third Part, left incomplete by Aquinas, treats Christ’s person and work and the sacraments. A posthumous supplement concludes the work with Christian eschatology, and two small appendices discuss purgatory. Each article follows a rigid format: objections to a conclusion are listed, a short counter-statement citing authoritative sources like the Bible or Aristotle is given, Aquinas’s own reasoned answer begins with “I answer that,” and individual replies address each objection. The work aims to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Catholic doctrine, citing Aristotle (called “the philosopher”) and Augustine most frequently among non-scriptural authors. Aquinas conceived it specifically for beginning students, and its influence extends to Dante’s *Divine Comedy*, which has been called “the Summa in verse.” It remains a key reference for ordination and theological study across Catholic and mainline Protestant denominations.
Reader's Guide
The *Summa Theologica* was conceived by Aquinas as a textbook for beginning students, and its structure reflects a deliberate pedagogical method. Each article follows a formal disputation format derived from the commentator Averroes: a series of objections to a conclusion are presented, followed by a short counter-statement citing authoritative sources such as the Bible, Aristotle, or the Church Fathers. The core argument then clarifies the issue, after which individual replies address each objection. The work is divided into three parts, with the first part covering God, creation, angels, and human nature; the second part, subdivided into two sections, treats general moral principles and then specific virtues and vices; and the third part, left unfinished, addresses Christ and the sacraments. A posthumous supplement concludes the work with eschatology. Aquinas began composing the *Summa* while teaching at a studium provinciale in Italy, completing and circulating the first part before departing for a second regency at the University of Paris. The work aims to reconcile Aristotelian philosophy with Catholic theology, drawing on a wide range of sources including patristic, scholastic, Islamic, Jewish, and pre-Christian Greek and Roman authors, with Aristotle and Augustine being the most frequently cited non-scriptural authorities. Its influence extends beyond theology: it was a major inspiration for Thomistic philosophy and profoundly shaped Dante Alighieri’s *Divine Comedy*, which has been called “the Summa in verse.” The *Summa* remains a key reference for ordination and religious study across Western and Eastern Catholic Churches and major Protestant denominations.
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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