History Extra Podcast Summary: "Thomas Aquinas: Life of the Week"

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Host: Emily Brifitts
Guest: Professor Robert Pasnow, University of Colorado, Boulder

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the History Extra podcast titled "Thomas Aquinas: Life of the Week," host Emily Brifitts converses with Professor Robert Pasnow, a renowned philosopher, to explore the life, works, and enduring legacy of Thomas Aquinas. Celebrating the 800th anniversary of Aquinas's birth, the discussion delves deep into his philosophical and theological contributions that have shaped medieval Europe and continue to influence contemporary thought.

Early Life and Background

Professor Pasnow begins by painting a vivid picture of Aquinas's origins. Born around 1225 in Aquino, a village situated halfway between Rome and Naples, Aquinas was the youngest of nine children in a wealthy family. Despite his family's aspirations for him to become the abbot of the prestigious Monte Cassino monastery, Aquinas felt a profound calling towards the Dominican order, a relatively new mendicant religious order focused on preaching, teaching, and engaging with the community.

Robert Pasnow [03:22]: "He fell in love with the Dominican order and wanted to part ways from the very careful path that his family had plotted for their star young son."

This passion led to familial conflict, resulting in a form of house arrest intended to prevent him from pursuing his desired path. A legendary incident recounts Aquinas's resolve, where he reportedly expelled a disguised prostitute from his room with a burning log, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to his vocation.

Education and Philosophical Development

Aquinas's intellectual journey took him to the University of Naples, where his exceptional prowess in philosophy became evident. Recognizing his brilliance, the Dominican order facilitated his studies in Paris under the mentorship of Albertus Magnus, a leading figure in philosophy and theology of the time.

Robert Pasnow [02:32]: "He was the greatest philosopher theologian of the High Middle Ages, at least in Europe."

During his time in Paris and later in Cologne, Aquinas immersed himself in the synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy and Christian theology, laying the groundwork for his seminal works. By 1256, he had earned his Master of Theology and began lecturing at the University of Paris, where he started composing influential texts.

Major Works and Philosophical Contributions

Aquinas's magnum opus, the Summa Theologiae, stands as a testament to his systematic approach to theology and philosophy. Professor Pasnow highlights how Aquinas bridged the gap between faith and reason, positing that true philosophy and theology are inherently harmonious.

Robert Pasnow [12:29]: "The truth can never conflict with the truth."

Aquinas introduced the "Five Ways" to prove God's existence in the Summa Theologiae, blending Aristotelian concepts with Christian doctrine. His ability to harmonize Aristotelian philosophy with Platonic and Maimonidean thought showcased his genius in creating a cohesive theological framework.

Aquinas also developed the concept of analogical language about God, allowing for meaningful discourse about the divine without diminishing its transcendence. This approach bridged the gap between negative theology, which posits that nothing can be positively affirmed about God, and the need for affirmations that align with human understanding.

Philosophical and Theological Integration

Aquinas's integration of faith and reason was revolutionary. He argued that proper philosophical inquiry underpins theological understanding, ensuring that theology remains grounded and intellectually robust. This synthesis laid the foundation for European philosophy, eliminating the perceived tension between philosophy and religion.

Robert Pasnow [13:43]: "European traditions that philosophy's not a threat to religion. Philosophy is an essential foundation for religion."

Later Life and Unfinished Works

After a prosperous academic career, Aquinas returned to Italy to further his work, including the Summa Contra Gentiles and extensive commentaries on Aristotle. Despite his prolific output, Aquinas's life was cut short around late 1273 when he ceased writing after experiencing a profound visionary experience, deeming his extensive works as insufficient in light of newfound perspectives.

Robert Pasnow [34:55]: "He had a vision... compared to what I saw, everything that I've written now seems like straw."

Aquinas passed away shortly after, leaving several projects incomplete. His students were tasked with finishing the Summa Theologiae, ensuring that his intellectual legacy continued.

Impact and Legacy

During his lifetime, Aquinas was a towering figure in philosophy and theology, rapidly earning sainthood approximately fifty years posthumously—an honor rarely bestowed so swiftly. While his influence waned during certain philosophical movements, particularly in the early modern era's departure from Scholasticism, Aquinas experienced a resurgence in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, he remains a central figure in Catholic scholarship and has gained renewed appreciation in secular philosophical circles for his systematic and integrative approach.

Robert Pasnow [29:51]: "He was already extraordinarily important... He's starting to have the kind of wider influence in purely secular philosophical circles that he had during his life."

Thomas Aquinas Today

Professor Pasnow suggests that Aquinas's contributions prefigured the Renaissance in philosophy, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of his synthesis of faith and reason. Aquinas's ideas continue to shape contemporary discussions on ethics, metaphysics, and the nature of knowledge.

Robert Pasnow [33:14]: "The Renaissance in philosophy had already happened back in the 13th century."

Understanding the Man Beyond the Works

Aquinas remains an enigmatic figure beyond his extensive writings, as he maintained an austere and impersonal style, rarely delving into personal reflections within his works. Stories about his life, often stemming from canonization narratives, offer glimpses but are sometimes embellished. To truly understand Aquinas, one must engage directly with his texts, as they are the most reliable sources of his thought and character.

Robert Pasnow [37:42]: "Aquinas is very, very sober... if you really want to be a careful, sober historian on the subject of Thomas Aquinas, you don't have a lot to work with other than the texts themselves that he left us."

Further Exploration

For listeners keen to delve deeper into Aquinas's philosophy and theology, Professor Pasnow recommends several resources:

• Anthony Kenny's Works: Accessible expositions that clarify Aquinas's complex ideas.
• The Aquinas Institute's Publications: Dual-language volumes featuring Latin texts alongside English translations.
• Hackett's Paperback Series: Affordable editions of Aquinas's central works with accompanying commentaries.

Robert Pasnow [40:01]: "If what you want is very clear and accessible expositions of Aquinas philosophy, then one of the masters of that in recent decades has been Anthony Kenny."

Conclusion

"Thomas Aquinas: Life of the Week" offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of one of history's most influential philosophers and theologians. Through the expert analysis of Professor Robert Pasnow, listeners gain a profound understanding of Aquinas's life, his monumental works, and the enduring legacy that continues to shape both religious and secular thought.

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