The “grand synthesis” referred to in the context of St. Thomas Aquinas typically pertains to his efforts to reconcile Christian theology with the philosophical tradition of Aristotle.
This synthesis, often known as Thomism, represents an attempt to harmonize faith and reason, theology and philosophy, within a comprehensive intellectual framework. Aquinas believed that both faith and reason are sources of truth, and he sought to integrate them into a unified understanding of reality.
Elements of the Grand Synthesis:
1. Faith and Reason:
Aquinas argued that faith and reason are complementary rather than contradictory. While faith provides access to divine truths revealed by God, reason allows for the exploration of natural truths accessible through human intellect and observation. Aquinas believed that reason could illuminate aspects of theology and that theology could enrich philosophical inquiry.
2. Natural Theology:
Aquinas embraced Aristotle’s philosophy, particularly his emphasis on empirical observation and logical reasoning. He adapted Aristotelian concepts, such as act and potency, substance and accident, and the four causes, to articulate philosophical arguments for the existence of God and the nature of divine attributes. This approach, known as natural theology, seeks to demonstrate God’s existence and attributes through rational inquiry.
3. Summa Theologica:
Aquinas’s magnum opus, the “Summa Theologica,” exemplifies his synthesis of faith and reason. This comprehensive work addresses a wide range of theological and philosophical questions, organized in a systematic and logical manner. Aquinas presents arguments for the existence of God, discussions on divine attributes, human nature, morality, and the relationship between God and creation, drawing from both Christian theology and Aristotelian philosophy.
4. Moral Philosophy:
Aquinas’s ethical theory, grounded in natural law, reflects his synthesis of faith and reason. He argues that moral principles are accessible to human reason through reflection on human nature and the natural order. Aquinas maintains that the natural law, rooted in God’s eternal law, provides a rational basis for moral norms and principles that govern human conduct. Thus, moral theology is integrated with philosophical ethics, emphasizing the harmony between human nature and divine law.
5. Metaphysics and Cosmology:
Aquinas’s metaphysical and cosmological teachings reflect his synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. He articulates a hierarchical cosmology, in which God is the ultimate source of all being and existence. Aquinas’s metaphysics explores the relationship between God, creation, and the natural world, integrating theological insights with philosophical analysis of causality, substance, and existence.
Legacy and Influence:
Aquinas’s grand synthesis has had a profound impact on Western thought, shaping theological and philosophical discourse for centuries. Thomism became a dominant intellectual tradition within the Catholic Church and influenced subsequent theologians, philosophers, and scholars. Aquinas’s emphasis on the compatibility of faith and reason, his systematic approach to theology and philosophy, and his integration of natural law ethics have left a lasting legacy, contributing to ongoing dialogues between religion and science, faith and reason.