Thomas Aquinas, Treatise on Man Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Thomas Aquinas, Treatise on Man - try ExampleIt puts forward several topics concerning western Christian theology much(prenominal) as the existence of theology, the resolve of man and the sacraments and how man should get back to God. The Summa Theologica is comprised of three major parts each of which deal with a major subject of Christian theology, the set-back part known as Prima Pars delves of Gods existence in relation with character the creation of the earth, angels and mans nature. The second part Prima Secundae tackles in general principles of morality such as individual beliefs and vices mend the third part Secunda Secundae deals with mans work for God and the sacraments and the ways of God. The Summa Theologica is composed of vary questions each of which is centered around a unique subtopic with the questions phrased as curious statements handling different issues such as whether Christ should have lived a life of p all overty while on earth. Analysis The first part s of concern are structured as eight questions such as questioning if the gratification of man lies in wealth, scripture is quoted for example Ecclesiastes 1019 states that whatever has the greatest hold over mans affections is ultimately the source of his contentment which is money therefore stating that mans happiness lies in wealth because it commands all things. cheer is observed as a state of being do good by all things being perfect money is portrayed as a guarantee for all of mans desires. St Thomas argues further by contradicting the notion that money is the source of mans happiness by stating that the good does not seek in dispersal happiness but rather retaining it, Boethius argues by saying that wealth lies in giving rather than collection as a miser which is hateful and applauds mans generosity. St Thomas is quick to disagree with the statement through his counter motive that shows how wealth is twofold consisting of the natural and artificial with the natural sa tisfying mans natural needs like food, dwellings and cars while the artificial wealth is that which is not related to nature such as money but exists as an invention of man for convenience in exchange and as a measure for salable things. He further argues that the happiness of man cannot be comprised of natural wealth as it is sought for to support mans nature and as such cannot be the last end rather is chosen as his last end. In addition, St Thomas argues that artificial wealth is sought to save humans from natural health while in its pursuit in a way that he procures natural wealth so as to concord the necessities of life. The second question deals with the happiness in relation to the honor of man, the objection is made stating that all that belongs to God and people of honor and excellence is the source of happiness as it stands for perfection and good. Another objection is made which states that the greatest desire of man above happiness is to be honorable, of all mans suffer ings the going of honor is the greatest and as such mans happiness co-exists with honor. St Thomas answers the objections by stating that is not possible for happiness to be comprised of honor, because honor is accorded to man on account for his excellence and as a recognition of his achievements. thereof mans good deeds can provide him some level f happiness but cannot unaccompanied be the source of his happiness. A question is put forward as to