Aquinas, St Thomas

Italian philosopher and theologian, the greatest figure of the school of scholasticism. He was a Dominican monk, known as the ‘Angelic Doctor’. In 1879 his works were recognized as the basis of Catholic theology. His Summa contra Gentiles/Against the Errors of the Infidels (1259–64) argues that reason and faith are compatible. He assimilated the philosophy of Aristotle into Christian doctrine. He was canonized in 1323.

His unfinished Summa Theologica, begun 1265, deals with the nature of God, morality, and the work of Jesus.

His works embodied the world view taught in universities until the mid-17th century, and include scientific ideas derived from Aristotle. The philosophy of Aquinas is known as Thomism.