Mercurial > hg > Aquinas

comparison summa/english/FP_i.html @ 64:11682db9b870

Find changesets by keywords (author, files, the commit message), revision number or hash, or revset expression.
from auto-split
author ht
date Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:43:02 +0000
parents
children
comparison
equal deleted inserted replaced
63:4665e252e26e 64:11682db9b870
1 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="FP.i" class="div2">
2 <a href="summa.FP.html"></a>
3 <a href="summa.FP_Q1.html"></a>
4 <h2 id="FP.i-p0.1">TREATISE ON SACRED DOCTRINE
5 <a id="FP.i-p0.2" shape="rect" href="summa.FP_Q1.html">(Q[1])</a>
6 </h2>
7 <div id="FP_Q1" class="div3">
8 <a href="summa.FP.i.html"></a>
9 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A1.html"></a>
10 <h3 id="FP_Q1-p0.1">THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF SACRED DOCTRINE (TEN ARTICLES)</h3>
11 <p id="FP_Q1-p1"> To place our purpose within proper limits, we first endeavor to investigate the nature and extent of this sacred doctrine.
12 Concerning this there are ten points of inquiry:
13 </p>
14 <p id="FP_Q1-p2"> (1) Whether it is necessary?</p>
15 <p id="FP_Q1-p3"> (2) Whether it is a science?</p>
16 <p id="FP_Q1-p4"> (3) Whether it is one or many?</p>
17 <p id="FP_Q1-p5"> (4) Whether it is speculative or practical?</p>
18 <p id="FP_Q1-p6"> (5) How it is compared with other sciences?</p>
19 <p id="FP_Q1-p7"> (6) Whether it is the same as wisdom?</p>
20 <p id="FP_Q1-p8"> (7) Whether God is its subject-matter?</p>
21 <p id="FP_Q1-p9"> (8) Whether it is a matter of argument?</p>
22 <p id="FP_Q1-p10"> (9) Whether it rightly employs metaphors and similes?</p>
23 <p id="FP_Q1-p11"> (10) Whether the Sacred Scripture of this doctrine may be expounded in different senses?</p>
24 <div id="FP_Q1_A1" class="div4">
25 <a href="summa.FP_Q1.html"></a>
26 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A2.html"></a>
27 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A1-p0.1">Whether, besides philosophy, any further doctrine is required?</h4>
28 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p1"></p>
29 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p2">
30 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that, besides philosophical science, we have no need of any further knowledge. For man should not seek to know what
31 is above reason: "Seek not the things that are too high for thee" (
32 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A1-p2.1" href="./asv.html#Sir.3.22" target="asv">Ecclus. 3:22</a>). But whatever is not above reason is fully treated of in philosophical science. Therefore any other knowledge besides philosophical
33 science is superfluous.
34 </p>
35 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p3">
36 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, knowledge can be concerned only with being, for nothing can be known, save what is true; and all that is, is true.
37 But everything that is, is treated of in philosophical science---even God Himself; so that there is a part of philosophy called
38 theology, or the divine science, as Aristotle has proved (Metaph. vi). Therefore, besides philosophical science, there is
39 no need of any further knowledge.
40 </p>
41 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p4">
42 <b>On the contrary,</b> It is written (
43 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A1-p4.1" href="./asv.html#iiTim.3.16" target="asv">2 Tim. 3:16</a>): "All Scripture, inspired of God is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice." Now Scripture,
44 inspired of God, is no part of philosophical science, which has been built up by human reason. Therefore it is useful that
45 besides philosophical science, there should be other knowledge, i.e. inspired of God.
46 </p>
47 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p5">
48 <b>I answer that,</b> It was necessary for man's salvation that there should be a knowledge revealed by God besides philosophical science built
49 up by human reason. Firstly, indeed, because man is directed to God, as to an end that surpasses the grasp of his reason:
50 "The eye hath not seen, O God, besides Thee, what things Thou hast prepared for them that wait for Thee" (
51 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A1-p5.1" href="./asv.html#Isa.66.4" target="asv">Is. 66:4</a>). But the end must first be known by men who are to direct their thoughts and
52 actions to the end. Hence it was necessary for the salvation of man that certain truths which exceed human reason should be
53 made known to him by divine revelation. Even as regards those truths about God which human reason could have discovered, it
54 was necessary that man should be taught by a divine revelation; because the truth about God such as reason could discover,
55 would only be known by a few, and that after a long time, and with the admixture of many errors. Whereas man's whole salvation,
56 which is in God, depends upon the knowledge of this truth. Therefore, in order that the salvation of men might be brought
57 about more fitly and more surely, it was necessary that they should be taught divine truths by divine revelation. It was therefore
58 necessary that besides philosophical science built up by reason, there should be a sacred science learned through revelation.
59 </p>
60 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p6">
61 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> Although those things which are beyond man's knowledge may not be sought for by man through his reason, nevertheless, once
62 they are revealed by God, they must be accepted by faith. Hence the sacred text continues, "For many things are shown to thee
63 above the understanding of man" (
64 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A1-p6.1" href="./asv.html#Sir.3.25" target="asv">Ecclus. 3:25</a>). And in this, the sacred science consists.
65 </p>
66 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p7">
67 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> Sciences are differentiated according to the various means through which knowledge is obtained. For the astronomer and the
68 physicist both may prove the same conclusion: that the earth, for instance, is round: the astronomer by means of mathematics
69 (i.e. abstracting from matter), but the physicist by means of matter itself. Hence there is no reason why those things which
70 may be learned from philosophical science, so far as they can be known by natural
71 reason, may not also be taught us by another science so far as they fall within revelation. Hence theology included in sacred
72 doctrine differs in kind from that theology which is part of philosophy.
73 </p>
74 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p8"></p>
75 <p id="FP_Q1_A1-p9"></p>
76 <a href="summa.FP_Q1.html"></a>
77 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A2.html"></a>
78 </div>
79 <div id="FP_Q1_A2" class="div4">
80 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A1.html"></a>
81 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A3.html"></a>
82 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A2-p0.1">Whether sacred doctrine is a science?</h4>
83 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p1"></p>
84 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p2">
85 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that sacred doctrine is not a science. For every science proceeds from self-evident principles. But sacred doctrine
86 proceeds from articles of faith which are not self-evident, since their truth is not admitted by all: "For all men have not
87 faith" (
88 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A2-p2.1" href="./asv.html#iiThess.3.2" target="asv">2 Thess. 3:2</a>). Therefore sacred doctrine is not a science.
89 </p>
90 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p3">
91 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, no science deals with individual facts. But this sacred science treats of individual facts, such as the deeds of
92 Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and such like. Therefore sacred doctrine is not a science.
93 </p>
94 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p4">
95 <b>On the contrary,</b> Augustine says (De Trin. xiv, 1) "to this science alone belongs that whereby saving faith is begotten, nourished, protected
96 and strengthened." But this can be said of no science except sacred doctrine. Therefore sacred doctrine is a science.
97 </p>
98 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p5">
99 <b>I answer that,</b> Sacred doctrine is a science. We must bear in mind that there are two kinds of sciences. There are some which proceed from
100 a principle known by the natural light of intelligence, such as arithmetic and geometry and the like. There are some which
101 proceed from principles known by the light of a higher science: thus the science of perspective proceeds from principles established
102 by geometry, and music from principles established by arithmetic. So it is that
103 sacred doctrine is a science because it proceeds from principles established by the light of a higher science, namely, the
104 science of God and the blessed. Hence, just as the musician accepts on authority the principles taught him by the mathematician,
105 so sacred science is established on principles revealed by God.
106 </p>
107 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p6">
108 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> The principles of any science are either in themselves self-evident, or reducible to the conclusions of a higher science;
109 and such, as we have said, are the principles of sacred doctrine.
110 </p>
111 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p7">
112 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> Individual facts are treated of in sacred doctrine, not because it is concerned with them principally, but they are introduced
113 rather both as examples to be followed in our lives (as in moral sciences) and in order to establish the authority of those
114 men through whom the divine revelation, on which this sacred scripture or doctrine is based, has come down to us.
115 </p>
116 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p8"></p>
117 <p id="FP_Q1_A2-p9"></p>
118 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A1.html"></a>
119 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A3.html"></a>
120 </div>
121 <div id="FP_Q1_A3" class="div4">
122 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A2.html"></a>
123 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A4.html"></a>
124 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A3-p0.1">Whether sacred doctrine is one science?</h4>
125 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p1"></p>
126 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p2">
127 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that sacred doctrine is not one science; for according to the Philosopher (Poster. i) "that science is one which
128 treats only of one class of subjects." But the creator and the creature, both of whom are treated of in sacred doctrine, cannot
129 be grouped together under one class of subjects. Therefore sacred doctrine is not one science.
130 </p>
131 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p3">
132 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, in sacred doctrine we treat of angels, corporeal creatures and human morality. But these belong to separate philosophical
133 sciences. Therefore sacred doctrine cannot be one science.
134 </p>
135 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p4">
136 <b>On the contrary,</b> Holy Scripture speaks of it as one science: "Wisdom gave him the knowledge [scientiam] of holy things" (
137 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A3-p4.1" href="./asv.html#Wis.10.10" target="asv">Wis. 10:10</a>).
138 </p>
139 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p5">
140 <b>I answer that,</b> Sacred doctrine is one science. The unity of a faculty or habit is to be gauged by its object, not indeed, in its material
141 aspect, but as regards the precise formality under which it is an object. For example, man, ass, stone agree in the one precise
142 formality of being colored; and color is the formal object of sight. Therefore, because Sacred Scripture considers things
143 precisely under the formality of being divinely revealed, whatever has been divinely
144 revealed possesses the one precise formality of the object of this science; and therefore is included under sacred doctrine
145 as under one science.
146 </p>
147 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p6">
148 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> Sacred doctrine does not treat of God and creatures equally, but of God primarily, and of creatures only so far as they are
149 referable to God as their beginning or end. Hence the unity of this science is not impaired.
150 </p>
151 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p7">
152 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> Nothing prevents inferior faculties or habits from being differentiated by something which falls under a higher faculty or
153 habit as well; because the higher faculty or habit regards the object in its more universal formality, as the object of the
154 "common sense" is whatever affects the senses, including, therefore, whatever is visible or audible. Hence the "common sense,"
155 although one faculty, extends to all the objects of the five senses. Similarly,
156 objects which are the subject-matter of different philosophical sciences can yet be treated of by this one single sacred science
157 under one aspect precisely so far as they can be included in revelation. So that in this way, sacred doctrine bears, as it
158 were, the stamp of the divine science which is one and simple, yet extends to everything.
159 </p>
160 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p8"></p>
161 <p id="FP_Q1_A3-p9"></p>
162 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A2.html"></a>
163 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A4.html"></a>
164 </div>
165 <div id="FP_Q1_A4" class="div4">
166 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A3.html"></a>
167 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A5.html"></a>
168 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A4-p0.1">Whether sacred doctrine is a practical science?</h4>
169 <p id="FP_Q1_A4-p1"></p>
170 <p id="FP_Q1_A4-p2">
171 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that sacred doctrine is a practical science; for a practical science is that which ends in action according to the
172 Philosopher (Metaph. ii). But sacred doctrine is ordained to action: "Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only" (
173 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A4-p2.1" href="./asv.html#Jas.1.22" target="asv">James 1:22</a>). Therefore sacred doctrine is a practical science.
174 </p>
175 <p id="FP_Q1_A4-p3">
176 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, sacred doctrine is divided into the Old and the New Law. But law implies a moral science which is a practical science.
177 Therefore sacred doctrine is a practical science.
178 </p>
179 <p id="FP_Q1_A4-p4">
180 <b>On the contrary,</b> Every practical science is concerned with human operations; as moral science is concerned with human acts, and architecture
181 with buildings. But sacred doctrine is chiefly concerned with God, whose handiwork is especially man. Therefore it is not
182 a practical but a speculative science.
183 </p>
184 <p id="FP_Q1_A4-p5">
185 <b>I answer that,</b> Sacred doctrine, being one, extends to things which belong to different philosophical sciences because it considers in each
186 the same formal aspect, namely, so far as they can be known through divine revelation. Hence, although among the philosophical
187 sciences one is speculative and another practical, nevertheless sacred doctrine includes both; as God, by one and the same
188 science, knows both Himself and His works. Still, it is speculative rather than
189 practical because it is more concerned with divine things than with human acts; though it does treat even of these latter,
190 inasmuch as man is ordained by them to the perfect knowledge of God in which consists eternal bliss. This is a sufficient
191 answer to the Objections.
192 </p>
193 <p id="FP_Q1_A4-p6"></p>
194 <p id="FP_Q1_A4-p7"></p>
195 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A3.html"></a>
196 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A5.html"></a>
197 </div>
198 <div id="FP_Q1_A5" class="div4">
199 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A4.html"></a>
200 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A6.html"></a>
201 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A5-p0.1">Whether sacred doctrine is nobler than other sciences?</h4>
202 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p1"></p>
203 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p2">
204 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that sacred doctrine is not nobler than other sciences; for the nobility of a science depends on the certitude it
205 establishes. But other sciences, the principles of which cannot be doubted, seem to be more certain than sacred doctrine;
206 for its principles---namely, articles of faith---can be doubted. Therefore other sciences seem to be nobler.
207 </p>
208 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p3">
209 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, it is the sign of a lower science to depend upon a higher; as music depends on arithmetic. But sacred doctrine does
210 in a sense depend upon philosophical sciences; for Jerome observes, in his Epistle to Magnus, that "the ancient doctors so
211 enriched their books with the ideas and phrases of the philosophers, that thou knowest not what more to admire in them, their
212 profane erudition or their scriptural learning." Therefore sacred doctrine is inferior to
213 other sciences.
214 </p>
215 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p4">
216 <b>On the contrary,</b> Other sciences are called the handmaidens of this one: "Wisdom sent her maids to invite to the tower" (
217 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A5-p4.1" href="./asv.html#Prov.9.3" target="asv">Prov. 9:3</a>).
218 </p>
219 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p5">
220 <b>I answer that,</b> Since this science is partly speculative and partly practical, it transcends all others speculative and practical. Now one
221 speculative science is said to be nobler than another, either by reason of its greater certitude, or by reason of the higher
222 worth of its subject-matter. In both these respects this science surpasses other speculative sciences; in point of greater
223 certitude, because other sciences derive their certitude from the natural light of human
224 reason, which can err; whereas this derives its certitude from the light of divine knowledge, which cannot be misled: in point
225 of the higher worth of its subject-matter because this science treats chiefly of those things which by their sublimity transcend
226 human reason; while other sciences consider only those things which are within reason's grasp. Of the practical sciences,
227 that one is nobler which is ordained to a further purpose, as political science is nobler than military science; for the
228 good of the army is directed to the good of the State. But the purpose of this science, in so far as it is practical, is eternal
229 bliss; to which as to an ultimate end the purposes of every practical science are directed. Hence it is clear that from every
230 standpoint, it is nobler than other sciences.
231 </p>
232 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p6">
233 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> It may well happen that what is in itself the more certain may seem to us the less certain on account of the weakness of
234 our intelligence, "which is dazzled by the clearest objects of nature; as the owl is dazzled by the light of the sun" (Metaph.
235 ii, lect. i). Hence the fact that some happen to doubt about articles of faith is not due to the uncertain nature of the truths,
236 but to the weakness of human intelligence; yet the slenderest knowledge that
237 may be obtained of the highest things is more desirable than the most certain knowledge obtained of lesser things, as is said
238 in de Animalibus xi.
239 </p>
240 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p7">
241 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> This science can in a sense depend upon the philosophical sciences, not as though it stood in need of them, but only in order
242 to make its teaching clearer. For it accepts its principles not from other sciences, but immediately from God, by revelation.
243 Therefore it does not depend upon other sciences as upon the higher, but makes use of them as of the lesser, and as handmaidens:
244 even so the master sciences make use of the sciences that supply their
245 materials, as political of military science. That it thus uses them is not due to its own defect or insufficiency, but to
246 the defect of our intelligence, which is more easily led by what is known through natural reason (from which proceed the other
247 sciences) to that which is above reason, such as are the teachings of this science.
248 </p>
249 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p8"></p>
250 <p id="FP_Q1_A5-p9"></p>
251 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A4.html"></a>
252 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A6.html"></a>
253 </div>
254 <div id="FP_Q1_A6" class="div4">
255 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A5.html"></a>
256 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A7.html"></a>
257 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A6-p0.1">Whether this doctrine is the same as wisdom?</h4>
258 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p1"></p>
259 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p2">
260 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that this doctrine is not the same as wisdom. For no doctrine which borrows its principles is worthy of the name
261 of wisdom; seeing that the wise man directs, and is not directed (Metaph. i). But this doctrine borrows its principles. Therefore
262 this science is not wisdom.
263 </p>
264 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p3">
265 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, it is a part of wisdom to prove the principles of other sciences. Hence it is called the chief of sciences, as is
266 clear in Ethic. vi. But this doctrine does not prove the principles of other sciences. Therefore it is not the same as wisdom.
267 </p>
268 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p4">
269 <b>Objection 3:</b> Further, this doctrine is acquired by study, whereas wisdom is acquired by God's inspiration; so that it is numbered among
270 the gifts of the Holy Spirit (
271 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A6-p4.1" href="./asv.html#Isa.11.2" target="asv">Is. 11:2</a>). Therefore this doctrine is not the same as wisdom.
272 </p>
273 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p5">
274 <b>On the contrary,</b> It is written (
275 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A6-p5.1" href="./asv.html#Deut.4.6" target="asv">Dt. 4:6</a>): "This is your wisdom and understanding in the sight of nations."
276 </p>
277 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p6">
278 <b>I answer that,</b> This doctrine is wisdom above all human wisdom; not merely in any one order, but absolutely. For since it is the part of
279 a wise man to arrange and to judge, and since lesser matters should be judged in the light of some higher principle, he is
280 said to be wise in any one order who considers the highest principle in that order: thus in the order of building, he who
281 plans the form of the house is called wise and architect, in opposition to the inferior laborers
282 who trim the wood and make ready the stones: "As a wise architect, I have laid the foundation" (
283 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A6-p6.1" href="./asv.html#iCor.3.10" target="asv">1 Cor. 3:10</a>). Again, in the order of all human life, the prudent man is called wise, inasmuch as he directs his acts to a fitting end:
284 "Wisdom is prudence to a man" (
285 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A6-p6.2" href="./asv.html#Prov.10.23" target="asv">Prov. 10: 23</a>). Therefore he who considers absolutely the highest cause of the whole universe, namely God, is most of all called wise.
286 Hence wisdom is said to be the knowledge of divine things, as
287 Augustine says (De Trin. xii, 14). But sacred doctrine essentially treats of God viewed as the highest cause---not only so
288 far as He can be known through creatures just as philosophers knew Him---"That which is known of God is manifest in them"
289 (
290 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A6-p6.3" href="./asv.html#Rom.1.19" target="asv">Rom. 1:19</a>)---but also as far as He is known to Himself alone and revealed to others. Hence sacred doctrine is especially called wisdom.
291 </p>
292 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p7">
293 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> Sacred doctrine derives its principles not from any human knowledge, but from the divine knowledge, through which, as through
294 the highest wisdom, all our knowledge is set in order.
295 </p>
296 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p8">
297 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> The principles of other sciences either are evident and cannot be proved, or are proved by natural reason through some other
298 science. But the knowledge proper to this science comes through revelation and not through natural reason. Therefore it has
299 no concern to prove the principles of other sciences, but only to judge of them. Whatsoever is found in other sciences contrary
300 to any truth of this science must be condemned as false: "Destroying counsels
301 and every height that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (
302 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A6-p8.1" href="./asv.html#iiCor.10.4" target="asv">2 Cor. 10:4,5</a>).
303 </p>
304 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p9">
305 <b>Reply to Objection 3:</b> Since judgment appertains to wisdom, the twofold manner of judging produces a twofold wisdom. A man may judge in one way
306 by inclination, as whoever has the habit of a virtue judges rightly of what concerns that virtue by his very inclination towards
307 it. Hence it is the virtuous man, as we read, who is the measure and rule of human acts. In another way, by knowledge, just
308 as a man learned in moral science might be able to judge rightly about virtuous
309 acts, though he had not the virtue. The first manner of judging divine things belongs to that wisdom which is set down among
310 the gifts of the Holy Ghost: "The spiritual man judgeth all things" (
311 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A6-p9.1" href="./asv.html#iCor.2.15" target="asv">1 Cor. 2:15</a>). And Dionysius says (Div. Nom. ii): "Hierotheus is taught not by mere learning, but by experience of divine things." The
312 second manner of judging belongs to this doctrine which is acquired by study, though its principles are obtained by revelation.
313 </p>
314 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p10"></p>
315 <p id="FP_Q1_A6-p11"></p>
316 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A5.html"></a>
317 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A7.html"></a>
318 </div>
319 <div id="FP_Q1_A7" class="div4">
320 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A6.html"></a>
321 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A8.html"></a>
322 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A7-p0.1">Whether God is the object of this science?</h4>
323 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p1"></p>
324 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p2">
325 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that God is not the object of this science. For in every science, the nature of its object is presupposed. But this
326 science cannot presuppose the essence of God, for Damascene says (De Fide Orth. i, iv): "It is impossible to define the essence
327 of God." Therefore God is not the object of this science.
328 </p>
329 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p3">
330 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, whatever conclusions are reached in any science must be comprehended under the object of the science. But in Holy
331 Writ we reach conclusions not only concerning God, but concerning many other things, such as creatures and human morality.
332 Therefore God is not the object of this science.
333 </p>
334 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p4">
335 <b>On the contrary,</b> The object of the science is that of which it principally treats. But in this science, the treatment is mainly about God;
336 for it is called theology, as treating of God. Therefore God is the object of this science.
337 </p>
338 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p5">
339 <b>I answer that,</b> God is the object of this science. The relation between a science and its object is the same as that between a habit or faculty
340 and its object. Now properly speaking, the object of a faculty or habit is the thing under the aspect of which all things
341 are referred to that faculty or habit, as man and stone are referred to the faculty of sight in that they are colored. Hence
342 colored things are the proper objects of sight. But in sacred science, all things are
343 treated of under the aspect of God: either because they are God Himself or because they refer to God as their beginning and
344 end. Hence it follows that God is in very truth the object of this science. This is clear also from the principles of this
345 science, namely, the articles of faith, for faith is about God. The object of the principles and of the whole science must
346 be the same, since the whole science is contained virtually in its principles. Some, however, looking to what is treated of
347 in
348 this science, and not to the aspect under which it is treated, have asserted the object of this science to be something other
349 than God---that is, either things and signs; or the works of salvation; or the whole Christ, as the head and members. Of all
350 these things, in truth, we treat in this science, but so far as they have reference to God.
351 </p>
352 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p6">
353 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> Although we cannot know in what consists the essence of God, nevertheless in this science we make use of His effects, either
354 of nature or of grace, in place of a definition, in regard to whatever is treated of in this science concerning God; even
355 as in some philosophical sciences we demonstrate something about a cause from its effect, by taking the effect in place of
356 a definition of the cause.
357 </p>
358 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p7">
359 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> Whatever other conclusions are reached in this sacred science are comprehended under God, not as parts or species or accidents
360 but as in some way related to Him.
361 </p>
362 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p8"></p>
363 <p id="FP_Q1_A7-p9"></p>
364 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A6.html"></a>
365 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A8.html"></a>
366 </div>
367 <div id="FP_Q1_A8" class="div4">
368 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A7.html"></a>
369 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A9.html"></a>
370 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A8-p0.1">Whether sacred doctrine is a matter of argument?</h4>
371 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p1"></p>
372 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p2">
373 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems this doctrine is not a matter of argument. For Ambrose says (De Fide 1): "Put arguments aside where faith is sought."
374 But in this doctrine, faith especially is sought: "But these things are written that you may believe" (
375 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A8-p2.1" href="./asv.html#John.20.31" target="asv">Jn. 20:31</a>). Therefore sacred doctrine is not a matter of argument.
376 </p>
377 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p3">
378 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, if it is a matter of argument, the argument is either from authority or from reason. If it is from authority, it
379 seems unbefitting its dignity, for the proof from authority is the weakest form of proof. But if it is from reason, this is
380 unbefitting its end, because, according to Gregory (Hom. 26), "faith has no merit in those things of which human reason brings
381 its own experience." Therefore sacred doctrine is not a matter of argument.
382 </p>
383 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p4">
384 <b>On the contrary,</b> The Scripture says that a bishop should "embrace that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to
385 exhort in sound doctrine and to convince the gainsayers" (
386 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A8-p4.1" href="./asv.html#Titus.1.9" target="asv">Titus 1:9</a>).
387 </p>
388 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p5">
389 <b>I answer that,</b> As other sciences do not argue in proof of their principles, but argue from their principles to demonstrate other truths
390 in these sciences: so this doctrine does not argue in proof of its principles, which are the articles of faith, but from them
391 it goes on to prove something else; as the Apostle from the resurrection of Christ argues in proof of the general resurrection
392 (
393 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A8-p5.1" href="./asv.html#iCor.15" target="asv">1 Cor. 15</a>). However, it is to be borne in mind, in regard to the philosophical
394 sciences, that the inferior sciences neither prove their principles nor dispute with those who deny them, but leave this to
395 a higher science; whereas the highest of them, viz. metaphysics, can dispute with one who denies its principles, if only the
396 opponent will make some concession; but if he concede nothing, it can have no dispute with him, though it can answer his objections.
397 Hence Sacred Scripture, since it has no science above itself, can dispute with one who denies its principles only if
398 the opponent admits some at least of the truths obtained through divine revelation; thus we can argue with heretics from texts
399 in Holy Writ, and against those who deny one article of faith, we can argue from another. If our opponent believes nothing
400 of divine revelation, there is no longer any means of proving the articles of faith by reasoning, but only of answering his
401 objections---if he has any---against faith. Since faith rests upon infallible truth, and since the contrary of a truth can
402 never be demonstrated, it is clear that the arguments brought against faith cannot be demonstrations, but are difficulties
403 that can be answered.
404 </p>
405 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p6">
406 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> Although arguments from human reason cannot avail to prove what must be received on faith, nevertheless, this doctrine argues
407 from articles of faith to other truths.
408 </p>
409 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p7">
410 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> This doctrine is especially based upon arguments from authority, inasmuch as its principles are obtained by revelation: thus
411 we ought to believe on the authority of those to whom the revelation has been made. Nor does this take away from the dignity
412 of this doctrine, for although the argument from authority based on human reason is the weakest, yet the argument from authority
413 based on divine revelation is the strongest. But sacred doctrine makes use
414 even of human reason, not, indeed, to prove faith (for thereby the merit of faith would come to an end), but to make clear
415 other things that are put forward in this doctrine. Since therefore grace does not destroy nature but perfects it, natural
416 reason should minister to faith as the natural bent of the will ministers to charity. Hence the Apostle says: "Bringing into
417 captivity every understanding unto the obedience of Christ" (
418 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A8-p7.1" href="./asv.html#iiCor.10.5" target="asv">2 Cor. 10:5</a>). Hence sacred doctrine makes use
419 also of the authority of philosophers in those questions in which they were able to know the truth by natural reason, as Paul
420 quotes a saying of Aratus: "As some also of your own poets said: For we are also His offspring" (
421 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A8-p7.2" href="./asv.html#Acts.17.28" target="asv">Acts 17:28</a>). Nevertheless, sacred doctrine makes use of these authorities as extrinsic and probable arguments; but properly uses the
422 authority of the canonical Scriptures as an incontrovertible proof, and the authority of the doctors of the Church as one
423 that may properly be used, yet merely as probable. For our faith rests upon the revelation made to the apostles and prophets
424 who wrote the canonical books, and not on the revelations (if any such there are) made to other doctors. Hence Augustine says
425 (Epis. ad Hieron. xix, 1): "Only those books of Scripture which are called canonical have I learned to hold in such honor
426 as to believe their authors have not erred in any way in writing them. But other authors I so read as not to deem everything
427 in their works to be true, merely on account of their having so thought and written, whatever may have been their holiness
428 and learning."
429 </p>
430 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p8"></p>
431 <p id="FP_Q1_A8-p9"></p>
432 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A7.html"></a>
433 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A9.html"></a>
434 </div>
435 <div id="FP_Q1_A9" class="div4">
436 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A8.html"></a>
437 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A10.html"></a>
438 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A9-p0.1">Whether Holy Scripture should use metaphors?</h4>
439 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p1"></p>
440 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p2">
441 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that Holy Scripture should not use metaphors. For that which is proper to the lowest science seems not to befit
442 this science, which holds the highest place of all. But to proceed by the aid of various similitudes and figures is proper
443 to poetry, the least of all the sciences. Therefore it is not fitting that this science should make use of such similitudes.
444 </p>
445 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p3">
446 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, this doctrine seems to be intended to make truth clear. Hence a reward is held out to those who manifest it: "They
447 that explain me shall have life everlasting" (
448 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A9-p3.1" href="./asv.html#Sir.24.31" target="asv">Ecclus. 24:31</a>). But by such similitudes truth is obscured. Therefore, to put forward divine truths by likening them to corporeal things
449 does not befit this science.
450 </p>
451 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p4">
452 <b>Objection 3:</b> Further, the higher creatures are, the nearer they approach to the divine likeness. If therefore any creature be taken to
453 represent God, this representation ought chiefly to be taken from the higher creatures, and not from the lower; yet this is
454 often found in Scriptures.
455 </p>
456 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p5">
457 <b>On the contrary,</b> It is written (
458 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A9-p5.1" href="./asv.html#Hos.12.10" target="asv">Osee 12:10</a>): "I have multiplied visions, and I have used similitudes by the ministry of the prophets." But to put forward anything by
459 means of similitudes is to use metaphors. Therefore this sacred science may use metaphors.
460 </p>
461 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p6">
462 <b>I answer that,</b> It is befitting Holy Writ to put forward divine and spiritual truths by means of comparisons with material things. For God
463 provides for everything according to the capacity of its nature. Now it is natural to man to attain to intellectual truths
464 through sensible objects, because all our knowledge originates from sense. Hence in Holy Writ, spiritual truths are fittingly
465 taught under the likeness of material things. This is what Dionysius says (Coel. Hier. i):
466 "We cannot be enlightened by the divine rays except they be hidden within the covering of many sacred veils." It is also befitting
467 Holy Writ, which is proposed to all without distinction of persons---"To the wise and to the unwise I am a debtor" (
468 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A9-p6.1" href="./asv.html#Rom.1.14" target="asv">Rom. 1:14</a>)---that spiritual truths be expounded by means of figures taken from corporeal things, in order that thereby even the simple
469 who are unable by themselves to grasp intellectual things may be able to understand it.
470 </p>
471 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p7">
472 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> Poetry makes use of metaphors to produce a representation, for it is natural to man to be pleased with representations. But
473 sacred doctrine makes use of metaphors as both necessary and useful.
474 </p>
475 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p8">
476 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> The ray of divine revelation is not extinguished by the sensible imagery wherewith it is veiled, as Dionysius says (Coel.
477 Hier. i); and its truth so far remains that it does not allow the minds of those to whom the revelation has been made, to
478 rest in the metaphors, but raises them to the knowledge of truths; and through those to whom the revelation has been made
479 others also may receive instruction in these matters. Hence those things that are taught
480 metaphorically in one part of Scripture, in other parts are taught more openly. The very hiding of truth in figures is useful
481 for the exercise of thoughtful minds and as a defense against the ridicule of the impious, according to the words "Give not
482 that which is holy to dogs" (
483 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A9-p8.1" href="./asv.html#Matt.7.6" target="asv">Mat. 7:6</a>).
484 </p>
485 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p9">
486 <b>Reply to Objection 3:</b> As Dionysius says, (Coel. Hier. i) it is more fitting that divine truths should be expounded under the figure of less noble
487 than of nobler bodies, and this for three reasons. Firstly, because thereby men's minds are the better preserved from error.
488 For then it is clear that these things are not literal descriptions of divine truths, which might have been open to doubt
489 had they been expressed under the figure of nobler bodies, especially for those who
490 could think of nothing nobler than bodies. Secondly, because this is more befitting the knowledge of God that we have in this
491 life. For what He is not is clearer to us than what He is. Therefore similitudes drawn from things farthest away from God
492 form within us a truer estimate that God is above whatsoever we may say or think of Him. Thirdly, because thereby divine truths
493 are the better hidden from the unworthy.
494 </p>
495 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p10"></p>
496 <p id="FP_Q1_A9-p11"></p>
497 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A8.html"></a>
498 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A10.html"></a>
499 </div>
500 <div id="FP_Q1_A10" class="div4">
501 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A9.html"></a>
502 <a href="summa.FP.ii.html"></a>
503 <h4 id="FP_Q1_A10-p0.1">Whether in Holy Scripture a word may have several senses?</h4>
504 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p1"></p>
505 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p2">
506 <b>Objection 1:</b> It seems that in Holy Writ a word cannot have several senses, historical or literal, allegorical, tropological or moral,
507 and anagogical. For many different senses in one text produce confusion and deception and destroy all force of argument. Hence
508 no argument, but only fallacies, can be deduced from a multiplicity of propositions. But Holy Writ ought to be able to state
509 the truth without any fallacy. Therefore in it there cannot be several senses to a
510 word.
511 </p>
512 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p3">
513 <b>Objection 2:</b> Further, Augustine says (De util. cred. iii) that "the Old Testament has a fourfold division as to history, etiology, analogy
514 and allegory." Now these four seem altogether different from the four divisions mentioned in the first objection. Therefore
515 it does not seem fitting to explain the same word of Holy Writ according to the four different senses mentioned above.
516 </p>
517 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p4">
518 <b>Objection 3:</b> Further, besides these senses, there is the parabolical, which is not one of these four.
519 </p>
520 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p5">
521 <b>On the contrary,</b> Gregory says (Moral. xx, 1): "Holy Writ by the manner of its speech transcends every science, because in one and the same
522 sentence, while it describes a fact, it reveals a mystery."
523 </p>
524 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p6">
525 <b>I answer that,</b> The author of Holy Writ is God, in whose power it is to signify His meaning, not by words only (as man also can do), but
526 also by things themselves. So, whereas in every other science things are signified by words, this science has the property,
527 that the things signified by the words have themselves also a signification. Therefore that first signification whereby words
528 signify things belongs to the first sense, the historical or literal. That signification
529 whereby things signified by words have themselves also a signification is called the spiritual sense, which is based on the
530 literal, and presupposes it. Now this spiritual sense has a threefold division. For as the Apostle says (
531 <a class="scripRef" id="FP_Q1_A10-p6.1" href="./asv.html#Heb.10.1" target="asv">Heb. 10:1</a>) the Old Law is a figure of the New Law, and Dionysius says (Coel. Hier. i) "the New Law itself is a figure of future glory."
532 Again, in the New Law, whatever our Head has done is a type of what we ought to do. Therefore, so far as the
533 things of the Old Law signify the things of the New Law, there is the allegorical sense; so far as the things done in Christ,
534 or so far as the things which signify Christ, are types of what we ought to do, there is the moral sense. But so far as they
535 signify what relates to eternal glory, there is the anagogical sense. Since the literal sense is that which the author intends,
536 and since the author of Holy Writ is God, Who by one act comprehends all things by His intellect, it is not unfitting,
537 as Augustine says (Confess. xii), if, even according to the literal sense, one word in Holy Writ should have several senses.
538 </p>
539 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p7">
540 <b>Reply to Objection 1:</b> The multiplicity of these senses does not produce equivocation or any other kind of multiplicity, seeing that these senses
541 are not multiplied because one word signifies several things, but because the things signified by the words can be themselves
542 types of other things. Thus in Holy Writ no confusion results, for all the senses are founded on one---the literal---from
543 which alone can any argument be drawn, and not from those intended in allegory, as
544 Augustine says (Epis. 48). Nevertheless, nothing of Holy Scripture perishes on account of this, since nothing necessary to
545 faith is contained under the spiritual sense which is not elsewhere put forward by the Scripture in its literal sense.
546 </p>
547 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p8">
548 <b>Reply to Objection 2:</b> These three---history, etiology, analogy---are grouped under the literal sense. For it is called history, as Augustine expounds
549 (Epis. 48), whenever anything is simply related; it is called etiology when its cause is assigned, as when Our Lord gave the
550 reason why Moses allowed the putting away of wives---namely, on account of the hardness of men's hearts; it is called analogy
551 whenever the truth of one text of Scripture is shown not to contradict the
552 truth of another. Of these four, allegory alone stands for the three spiritual senses. Thus Hugh of St. Victor (Sacram. iv,
553 4 Prolog.) includes the anagogical under the allegorical sense, laying down three senses only---the historical, the allegorical,
554 and the tropological.
555 </p>
556 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p9">
557 <b>Reply to Objection 3:</b> The parabolical sense is contained in the literal, for by words things are signified properly and figuratively. Nor is the
558 figure itself, but that which is figured, the literal sense. When Scripture speaks of God's arm, the literal sense is not
559 that God has such a member, but only what is signified by this member, namely operative power. Hence it is plain that nothing
560 false can ever underlie the literal sense of Holy Writ.
561 </p>
562 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p10"></p>
563 <p id="FP_Q1_A10-p11"></p>
564 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A9.html"></a>
565 <a href="summa.FP.ii.html"></a>
566 </div>
567 <a href="summa.FP.i.html"></a>
568 <a href="summa.FP_Q1_A1.html"></a>
569 </div>
570 <a href="summa.FP.html"></a>
571 <a href="summa.FP_Q1.html"></a>
572 `
573 </div>