The Thomistic Institute

In the Beginning Was the Word: Augustine, Aristotle, and Aquinas – Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.

Oct 29, 2025
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P., a Dominican priest and scholar in Thomistic theology, delves into the evolution of the concept of the Word through Augustine, Aristotle, and Aquinas. He discusses Augustine's analogy of the human mind for understanding the Trinity and how his illumination theory incorporates Aristotelian elements. Legge explores Aquinas's philosophical refinement of the notion of 'Word,' distinguishing between intelligible species and the interior word produced by understanding. This conversation bridges human cognition with Trinitarian theology.
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INSIGHT

Augustine Seeks A Trinitarian Analogy

  • Augustine seeks a created analogy in the human mind to illuminate the Trinity rather than studying cognition for its own sake.
  • This theological aim drives his discussion of the interior word and human understanding.
INSIGHT

Augustine Contains Aristotelian Elements

  • Sarah Byers argues Augustine integrated an Aristotelian element (agent intellect) via Plotinus and Marius Victorinus into his illumination theory.
  • This suggests Augustine's scientia involves a 'divine light' enabling the soul to grasp intelligibility.
INSIGHT

The Interior Word Born From Scientia

  • Augustine describes an 'interior word' born from scientia that precedes linguistic signs and is spoken inwardly 'just as it is'.
  • This interior speaking becomes the central analogy for the divine Word's generation.
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