The Thomistic Institute
Aquinas on the Identity of Essence and Existence in God | Prof. Michael Gorman
May 7, 2025
Michael Gorman, a Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives deep into Aquinas' doctrines. He explores the profound relationship between essence and existence in God, arguing that they are identical. Gorman discusses divine simplicity, emphasizing that God’s nature is uncomplicated, unlike created beings. He elaborates on how divine perfection reflects in creation and clarifies the limitations of human language when describing God’s essence. His insights illuminate the intricate metaphysical themes central to understanding both divine and non-divine realities.
48:04
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Quick takeaways
- Aquinas asserts that in God, essence and existence are identical, establishing Him as the only necessary being unlike all created entities.
- Understanding divine simplicity is essential for recognizing God's nature, as it differentiates Him from complex creatures while affirming His universal perfection.
Deep dives
Divine Simplicity and Its Implications
Divine simplicity refers to the concept that God is not complex, lacking physical parts or multiplicity. Unlike creatures such as humans, who have components like arms and legs, God is considered simple because He has no such parts. The notion that something can be considered simple in one respect yet complex in another is significant; for instance, angels are simple in a physical sense but complex in their understanding. Understanding divine simplicity is crucial for comprehending Aquinas' arguments concerning God's nature, particularly that even though God exists in three persons, He remains fundamentally simple in every respect.
