Knowledge and Faith in Thomas Aquinas

This book offers a revisionary account of key epistemological concepts and doctrines of St Thomas Aquinas, particularly his concept of scientia (science), and proposes an interpretation of the purpose and composition of Aquinas’s most mature and influential work, the Summa theologiae, which presents the scientia of sacred doctrine, i.e. Christian theology. Contrary to the standard interpretation of it as a work for neophytes in theology, Jenkins argues that it is in fact a pedagogical work intended as the culmination of philosophical and theological studies of very gifted students. Jenkins considers our knowledge of the principles of a science. He argues that rational assent to the principles of sacred doctrine, the articles of faith, is due to the influence of grace on one’s cognitive powers, because of which one is able immediately to apprehend these propositions as divinely revealed. His study will be of interest to readers in philosophy, theology and medieval studies.

• Offers a revisionary reading of Aquinas’s most important work • Aquinas’s account of the rationality of the Christian faith has been one of the most influential, and this book reinterprets it • Will appeal to philosophers, theologians and medievalists

Acknowledgements; Note on the text; List of abbreviations; Introduction; Part I. Scientia: 1. Scientia in the Posterior Analytics; 2. Scientia and sacred doctrine; 3. Scientia and the Summa theologiae; Part II. Intellectus Principorum: 4. The natural light of the intellect; 5. Grace, theological virtues and gifts; 6. The light of faith; Conclusion: Pedagogy in the Divine Scientia: 7. The scientia of sacred doctrine; Notes; Bibliography; Index.

‘… a very good book, with a very tight focus, and much evidence of a profound knowledge both of Aquinas’ major texts and the world from which they emerge.’

– Reviews in Religion and Theology