Ignatius Press Podcast

Dr. Peter Kreeft: Aquinas is the Greatest Philosopher of All Time

Jan 27, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Peter Kreeft, a renowned author and philosopher, champions St. Thomas Aquinas as the greatest thinker of all time. He highlights Aquinas's remarkable clarity and accessibility, making profound ideas digestible for everyday readers. The conversation delves into the collaborative nature of philosophy, emphasizing community over solitary study. Kreeft also reflects on the evolution of philosophical thought and the enduring influence of holiness in spiritual growth, urging a return to Aquinas's foundational texts.

55:36

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Episode guests

Peter Kreeft

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Kreeft celebrates Aquinas for his profound clarity in philosophy, making his works accessible to everyday readers seeking understanding.

Aquinas seamlessly integrates faith and reason, offering insights that enhance both theological comprehension and practical moral decision-making.

Kreeft emphasizes the communal nature of philosophy inspired by Aquinas, advocating for engaging discussions that deepen understanding and foster inquiry.

Deep dives

Dr. Peter Kreeft's Journey with Aquinas

Dr. Peter Kreeft reflects on his lifelong engagement with Thomas Aquinas, celebrating his legacy as a philosopher and theologian. Kreeft emphasizes that Aquinas' clarity and logical presentations make his works accessible to readers who may find philosophy challenging. He shares his personal connection to Aquinas through his book, 'The Summa of the Summa,' which became pivotal in his journey to understanding philosophy. Kreeft believes that the footnotes and glossaries in these condensed texts help bridge the gap for those unfamiliar with Aquinas' terminology, allowing for a smoother learning experience.

Intro

2min

Understanding Aquinas: Accessibility and Clarity

13min

Philosophy: A Communal Journey

17min

The Evolution and Decline of Great Philosophers

2min

The Gravitational Pull of Holiness

17min

Philosophical Reflections on Self and Divinity

2min

Navigating the Richness of Aquinas: Tips and Insights

3min

This year we celebrate the 800th Anniversary of Aquinas’s birth. Known for his holiness, intelligence, and immense love for God, Aquinas is often considered one of the greatest thinkers of all time. But today Dr. Kreeft joins Ben Eriksen to discuss why he thinks Aquinas is the greatest philosopher and theologian.

Dr. Kreeft highlights Aquinas’s depth and clarity of thought, his synthesis of previous scholars, and his integration of faith and reason. While many are intimidated to read Aquinas, Dr. Kreeft points out how approachable he is for everyday thinkers and how intellectually as well as spiritually enriching his writings are for those that read him.

Get your copies of Dr. Peter Kreeft’s books at Ignatius.com:

Summa of the Summa: https://ignatius.com/summa-of-the-summa-sosp/

A Shorter Summa: https://ignatius.com/a-shorter-summa-ssup/

Practical Theology: https://ignatius.com/practical-theology-prtp/

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Heaven But Never Dreamed of Asking: https://ignatius.com/everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-heaven-eyep/

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