Aquinas And Ideogenesis: The Process of the Formation of Ideas According to the Psychology of St. Thomas Aquinas, O.P., as Based on the Psychology of Aristotle

Abstract

The problem of the origin of ideas has puzzled philosophers from the beginning. The theories advanced range all the way from extreme idealism to extreme sensism. The purpose of this paper is not to trace the history of the different theories, but rather to explain the theory of one philosopher, namely, St. Thomas Aquinas. This is, by no means, a physiological study of the various powers which play a role in this process, and I have limited myself considerably on this point. I have limited myself also, as far as I was able, to what St. Thomas himself said, not dwelling upon the modern additions to his theory.