Metaphysical Anthropology of Thomas Aquinas

Abstract

Anthropological thought of Thomas Aquinas, as the title itself indicates, is connected with his metaphysics in a sense that understanding of his anthropology presupposes the knowledge of the foundation of this metaphysical thought. In this article we will see notions such as potency and act, form and matter, essence and being (esse) being used as tools to explain the peculiar characteristics of human soul in relation to other forms and her relationship to human body. The first part of the paper represents a short overview of hierarchical order of beings in Thomistic cosmology in which a man takes a special place amongst two worlds: the material and the immaterial one. Thomas uses this as one of the explanations of the special characteristics of human being. The second part addresses the difference between the human soul in reference to animal and vegetative soul. Special attention is given to its autonomy and immortality and this chapter is followed by the one on the relationship between the body and the soul. Lastly, the final segment investigates the basics of Thomistic epistemology and intellect. From what has been said, it is clear that the goal of the article is to offer an overview of fundamental topics of Thomas´ anthropological thought.