Some Basic Definitions In Scholastic Philosophy

Abstract

In any field of knowledge there is need for a common ground of agreement to make possible a systematic study. Definition of terms helps establish this ground. This is particularly important in the realm of the Natural Sciences because of the interrelationship between them. However, since Philosophy is the queen of the sciences and furnishes the ultimate rational explanation of reality, careful accurate definition is more necessary in Philosophy than in any other field of inquiry. This dissertation is intended to acquaint the student with some definitions essential to Philosophy, although it is not intended to be a complete glossary. The writer has striven to give the definitions of St. Thomas Aquinas wherever it was possible. The other sources to which this work Is indebted will be found in the bibliography. In any field of knowledge there is need for a common ground of agreement to make possible a systematic study. Definition of terms helps establish this ground. This is particularly important in the realm of the Natural Sciences because of the interrelationship between them. However, since Philosophy is the queen of the sciences and furnishes the ultimate rational explanation of reality, careful accurate definition is more necessary in Philosophy than in any other field of inquiry. This dissertation is intended to acquaint the student with some definitions essential to Philosophy, although it is not intended to be a complete glossary. The writer has striven to give the definitions of St. Thomas Aquinas wherever it was possible. The other sources to which this work Is indebted will be found in the bibliography. In any field of knowledge there is need for a common ground of agreement to make possible a systematic study. Definition of terms helps establish this ground. This is particularly important in the realm of the Natural Sciences because of the interrelationship between them. However, since Philosophy is the queen of the sciences and furnishes the ultimate rational explanation of reality, careful accurate definition is more necessary in Philosophy than in any other field of inquiry. This dissertation is intended to acquaint the student with some definitions essential to Philosophy, although it is not intended to be a complete glossary. The writer has striven to give the definitions of St. Thomas Aquinas wherever it was possible. The other sources to which this work Is indebted will be found in the bibliography.