Thomism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A philosophical and theological system based on the ideas of a medieval scholar who integrated classical philosophy with religious doctrine ; a doctrine emphasizing reason and natural law in understanding existence and morality ; a tradition combining metaphysical principles with ethical teachings derived from a particular scholastic thinker
2. An intellectual framework stemming from a medieval philosopher-theologian blending Aristotelian philosophy with Christian beliefs ; a comprehensive approach to metaphysics and ethics grounded in rational inquiry and divine revelation ; a school of thought uniting faith and reason through systematic theological examination
3. A body of teachings originating from a notable medieval thinker combining ancient philosophy with Christian theology ; a method of addressing moral and existential questions through logic and religious faith ; a scholastic tradition that harmonizes classical philosophy with doctrinal Christianity

Etymology: Thomism takes its name from a man, Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225–1274), the Dominican friar and scholar whose synthesis of Aristotle's philosophy with Christian theology shaped Catholic thought for centuries. The name is simply his first name, "Thomas," with the suffix "-ism" attached, so the word means something like "the Thomas doctrine." It follows the same pattern as "Calvinism" or "Lutheranism," where a founder's name becomes the label for his system. The word therefore names not just Aquinas's own writings but the broader school that grew up around them. Followers, commentators and defenders have continued to develop his arguments on reason, natural law and the relationship between faith and philosophy, so the term covers a living tradition as much as a single body of work.

Synonyms: scholasticism, aquinism