Summa Theologica
Also known as: Summa · Summa Theologiae · Summa Theologiæ
- 1Authored by Thomas Aquinas during the 13th century.
- 2Acts as a comprehensive compendium of Catholic theological teachings.
- 3Organized around a cycle covering God, Creation, Man, Christ, and the Sacraments.
- 4Utilizes a rigorous scholastic method of logical inquiry and resolution.
- 5Recognized as the definitive work of a Doctor of the Church.
The Summa Theologiae or Summa Theologica, often referred to simply as the Summa, is the best-known work of Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), a scholastic theologian and Doctor of the Church.
Connections2
subject of the theologian's commentary
Medina's most significant academic output consisted of commentaries on the Summa Theologica, which he used as a framework for his own moral theories.
primary foundational text of Thomistic thought
This monumental work by Thomas Aquinas serves as the systematic synthesis of his philosophy and theology, forming the core curriculum for the Thomistic tradition.
The Summa Theologica, often simply called the Summa, stands as the most significant work of the scholastic theologian Thomas Aquinas. Composed between 1265 and 1274, it serves as a massive, systematic compendium of the primary theological teachings of the Catholic Church. It is structured to provide a rigorous, logical defense of Christian doctrine, making it a foundational text for Western theology.
Wikimedia Commons file from Category:Summa Theologica for Summa Theologica.Wikimedia Commons; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons: Category:Summa TheologicaPage from Summa theologica, pars secunda, primus liber , printed in Mainz by Peter Schöffer, 1471.Wikimedia Commons; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons: Category:Summa TheologicaSumma Theologica, 1596Wikimedia Commons; Tommaso : d'Aquino; Available in the BEIC digital library and uploaded in partnership with BEIC Foundation .; Public domain; Wikimedia Commons; Wikidata P18 (image) The text follows a cyclical thematic structure that begins with the nature of God, moves through the Creation and the purpose of humanity, and explores the role of Christ and the Sacraments. By addressing complex questions through a method of inquiry, objection, and resolution, the work provides a comprehensive map of medieval Christian thought and remains a primary reference for theological study.