Aquinas and Bonaventure

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Is there a God—and if there is, how do natural things point to God’s existence? Do humans possess an innate awareness of God’s existence, or must God’s existence be demonstrated by reason? Is human knowledge possible without special assistance from God? This course explores these questions through the philosophies of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Bonaventure, two of the greatest medieval thinkers. Topics covered include the metaphysics of natural objects, arguments for (and against) God’s existence, the innate knowledge of God, and the theory of divine illumination. We will compare, contrast, and critically assess each thinker’s arguments and consider how their thought remains relevant today.