Analytical Thomism

Analytical Thomism is a contemporary philosophical movement that seeks to combine the philosophical approach of analytic philosophy with the insights of the medieval philosopher-theologian Thomas Aquinas. It aims to interpret and develop the teachings of Aquinas using the tools of modern analytic philosophy, such as rigorous logical analysis and the use of contemporary concepts and terminology.

Key points about Analytical Thomism:

1. Compatibility of Aquinas and Analytic Philosophy: Analytical Thomists believe that the thought of Thomas Aquinas, as expressed in his writings, is compatible with the methods and concerns of analytic philosophy. They seek to show how Aquinas’s ideas can be formulated and defended using the precision and clarity of analytic philosophical methods.
2. Use of Modern Analytic Concepts: Analytical Thomists use modern philosophical concepts and terminology to articulate and interpret Aquinas’s ideas. They aim to make Aquinas’s thought accessible to contemporary philosophical discourse and engage with current philosophical debates.
3. Logical Analysis: Analytical Thomists often employ logical analysis to examine the arguments and concepts present in Aquinas’s works. They seek to clarify the logical structure of Aquinas’s arguments and evaluate their validity and soundness.
4. Focus on Metaphysics and Philosophy of Religion: Analytical Thomism tends to focus on Aquinas’s metaphysical and philosophical theology, as these areas are particularly amenable to the methods of analytic philosophy. Topics like the existence of God, the nature of causation, and the relationship between faith and reason are central concerns.
5. Interaction with Contemporary Philosophy: Analytical Thomism encourages dialogue with contemporary philosophical movements and thinkers. It seeks to engage with and respond to the challenges posed by modern philosophy, including criticisms of classical metaphysics and theistic arguments.
6. Diverse Perspectives: Analytical Thomism is not a monolithic movement, and different philosophers may interpret and apply Aquinas’s ideas in various ways. The movement includes scholars from various theological and philosophical backgrounds who may emphasize different aspects of Aquinas’s thought.

Prominent figures associated with Analytical Thomism include Anthony Kenny, Alvin Plantinga, Eleonore Stump, Peter Geach, and Robert George, among others. The movement has grown in influence in both analytic philosophy and contemporary philosophy of religion, contributing to the ongoing dialogue between theistic and atheistic perspectives in the philosophy of God and the philosophy of religion.