History Extra podcast Thomas Aquinas: life of the week
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Jun 16, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Professor Robert Pasnau, an expert on medieval philosophy, sheds light on Thomas Aquinas, a pivotal 13th-century theologian. He explores Aquinas’s transformative integration of Aristotelian thought with Christian theology. Listeners will discover how Aquinas's early life shaped his groundbreaking ideas and his struggles against familial expectations to join the Dominican order. Pasnau also delves into Aquinas's profound contributions, particularly his enduring work, the 'Summa Theologiae,' and the legacy that still influences spiritual and secular thought today.
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Aquinas' Historical Significance
- Thomas Aquinas was the greatest philosopher and theologian of the high Middle Ages in Europe.
- He synthesized ancient traditions with Christian worldview shaping European philosophy until the early modern period.
Aquinas' Family Opposition
- Aquinas' family opposed his choice to join the Dominicans and locked him up to stop him from leaving.
- His brothers tried to tempt him with a prostitute, but he drove her away with a burning log, showing his devotion.
Faith and Reason Reconciliation
- Aquinas believed truth in philosophy and theology cannot conflict and must be reconciled.
- He trusted philosophy's foundation would lead to correct theology, not to atheism or materialism.
