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Research Paper On Thomas Aquinas

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Thomas Aquinas, born in Sicily, created a “new” synthesis of knowledge, originating from Aristotle. (Wogaman, 87) This new knowledge was influenced by, his knowledge from the monastic order, the evolving conceptions of the church and sacrament, and the influence of Augustine. Aquinas believed, originating for Aristotle, in a basic conception of reality and this conception had to be considered in relation to the true end or telos, which is the fulfillment in a “good life. “ (Wogaman, 88) Aquinas believes that there are two types of human good, first being temporal, which is in the human life, and second being, eternal. Aquinas argues that “mans ultimate happiness” cannot be fulfilled in his/her own life because we need that extra help from God, the eternal. (Wogaman, 90) …show more content…

Through these virtues, Aquinas views habits being imbedded, internally within us, through our upbringing and constant repetition. (Wogaman, 90) Virtue is a habit that will help us in reaching our end goal, or our telos. Habits are these choices that we make, so if we continue to practice these good habits this will eventually lead to our ultimate happiness, but this cannot be done without the help of God. Aquinas talks about four virtues in the Synthesis that are acquired: Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, and Prudence through action. Although these four are good cardinal virtues, they end with human life, and in order for a human being to have ultimate, eternal happiness God must help. In order for God to help three theological virtues are added, that are not known to humankind, but infused in us. These are known as: faith, hope, and love. (Wogaman, 91) Since eternal happiness surpasses human nature, all of these virtues must be combined, through the help of God to obtain eternal happiness. (Wogaman,

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