Summa Theologiae: A Coltiva Selection
Summa Theologiae: A Coltiva Selection
A guided entrance into Aquinas's method, arguments, and moral vision.
About this book
This Coltiva selection introduces the Summa Theologiae through representative articles on God, creation, law, virtue, war, exchange, and human action. Aquinas works by objections, replies, distinctions, and carefully ordered argument, so the reader sees not only conclusions but a method of thinking. The selection shows why the Summa became a central workshop for Western theology, ethics, and philosophy.
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- THE EXISTENCE OF GOD3098 words
This chapter opens with a bold claim: that knowledge of God is the heart of sacred doctrine. It then asks whether God's existence is self-evident, setting up a careful philosophical inquiry into what reason can and cannot prove.
- OF THE SIMPLICITY OF GOD3127 words
This chapter explores God's simplicity, denying composition in Him. We begin by asking whether God is a body, then examine deeper aspects of His nature.
- GOD'S LOVE2027 words
This chapter explores the nature of love in God, examining whether love exists in Him, and if He loves all things. The discussion begins with objections and counterarguments, leading to a deeper understanding of divine love.
- THE JUSTICE AND MERCY OF GOD2911 words
This chapter explores the relationship between divine justice and mercy, examining whether both can truly exist in God and how they manifest in His works.
- OF THE ESSENCE OF LAW2611 words
This chapter explores the essence of law, asking what it is and what makes it binding. Aquinas examines law as a rule of reason, its end in the common good, who can make it, and why promulgation matters.
- OF THE NATURAL LAW, Part 14583 words
We now turn to the natural law-the foundation of moral reasoning. This chapter explores its nature, precepts, and universality, asking whether it can change or be erased from the human heart.
- OF THE NATURAL LAW, Part 2320 words
This chapter examines whether natural law can be erased from human hearts. It distinguishes between general principles and specific conclusions, exploring how passions or corrupt habits may obscure moral knowledge.
- OF WAR1238 words
This chapter examines the morality of war through four key questions. The first considers whether any war can be lawful, presenting objections and a detailed response.
- OF JUSTICE1098 words
Justice is a foundational virtue that governs our dealings with others. This chapter explores its definition, asking whether it is rightly described as the perpetual will to give each their due. We examine objections and clarify what justice truly requires.
- OF THEFT AND ROBBERY2011 words
Thomas Aquinas examines whether owning property is natural and lawful, and whether stealing is ever justified. He considers objections from Scripture and Church Fathers, then builds a careful argument about dominion, use, and necessity.
- Aquinas Summa Theologiae Selection Part II II Q77 A01 A044764 words
This chapter examines the ethics of buying and selling, focusing on just price, hidden defects, and the morality of trading for profit. Thomas Aquinas draws on natural law to distinguish fair exchange from fraud.
- THE EXISTENCE OF GOD3098 words
- THE EXISTENCE OF GOD634 words
This chapter opens the inquiry into sacred doctrine by outlining its threefold structure: God, humanity's return to God, and Christ the way. It then begins the first part by asking whether God's existence is self-evident, demonstrable, and finally proven through five ways.
- OF THE SIMPLICITY OF GOD701 words
This chapter explores divine simplicity, asking whether God is composed of body, matter, essence, or existence. Aquinas argues that God is pure act, lacking all composition.
- GOD'S LOVE471 words
This chapter explores the nature of love in God, examining whether it can be properly attributed to Him. It addresses objections and clarifies how divine love differs from human passion.
- THE JUSTICE AND MERCY OF GOD622 words
This chapter explores divine justice and mercy, asking whether both truly belong to God. It distinguishes types of justice and shows how mercy operates without contradicting justice, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of God's works.
- OF THE ESSENCE OF LAW617 words
As we explore the nature of law, Aquinas begins with its essence. He asks whether law belongs to reason or will, and what end it serves. These questions set the stage for his classic definition.
- OF THE NATURAL LAW, Part 11035 words
This chapter examines the natural law through six inquiries, from its nature to its permanence. The discussion unfolds with careful distinctions, preparing the reader for a nuanced exploration of moral foundations.
- OF THE NATURAL LAW, Part 277 words
This chapter explores the resilience of natural law's core principles while acknowledging how specific applications can be distorted by cultural or personal corruption.
- OF WAR297 words
This chapter examines whether war can ever be lawful, presenting arguments against and a reasoned defense of just war conditions.
- OF JUSTICE247 words
In this chapter, we examine justice as a virtue. The text defines it as the constant will to give each their due, exploring its voluntary and firm nature.
- OF THEFT AND ROBBERY473 words
This chapter examines theft and robbery, starting with whether possessing external things is natural and lawful. It then considers whether taking another's property in extreme need can ever be justified.
- Aquinas Summa Theologiae Selection Part II II Q77 A01 A041024 words
This chapter explores the ethics of buying and selling, examining when a sale becomes unjust. Thomas Aquinas considers fair pricing, hidden defects, and the morality of trading for profit.
- THE EXISTENCE OF GOD634 words
- The Nature of God594 words
This chapter explores what we can know about God through reason, beginning with proofs of His existence and then examining His nature, including simplicity, love, justice, and mercy.
- Law, Justice, and Human Conduct796 words
Law, rooted in reason and directed to the common good, shapes human action. This chapter explores its foundations, from natural law to justice, preparing us to consider how these principles apply to modern life.
- The Nature of God594 words
Related works
Earlier works
- Proslogion and Cur Deus Homo
Aquinas' methode heeft een voorganger in Anselmus: korte, intense redenering groeit uit tot een volledige theologische architectuur.
- City of God: A Coltiva Selection
Aquinas' artikelen over wet en rechtvaardigheid krijgen meer historische spanning naast Augustinus' politieke theologie na de val van Rome.
Later works building on this
- Five Theological Orations
Aquinas' orde en quaestiones krijgen historische diepte naast Gregorius' literaire en conciliaire precisie.