This group is for studying thomistic philosophy and theology.

Thomism gets its inspiration and direction from the life and works of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). Any discussion would or could include a study of the actual texts of Aquinas and as well an attempt to discern the intention of the author.

Thomism is open to development, as long as its basic principles are not violated, especially in view of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council.

As a school of thought, thomism developed an interesting history of its own in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The Dominican Cajetan instigated the thought of Thomas Aquinas once again in the 16th century from which a rich heritage of renaissance thomism grew.

At the center of this thomistic movement in Europe was the University of Salamanca in Spain. Names such as Francisco de Vitoria, the founder of this school, along with Cano, de Soto, Banez, Saurez, and John of St. Thomas.

The Leonine renewal of thomistic thought in the 19th century in the 20th took off with various thomisms such as transcendental thomism of Marechal, Rahner and Lonergan; the neo-scholastic existentialism of Maritain; the Christian philosophy of Gilson; the natural philosophy school of River Forest: including Weisheipl and Ashley; the common sense tradition of R. Garrigou-Lagrange; and others.

The group is open to the public.

However certain restrictions apply. There is to be no repetitive or interminable debates or taking remarks out of context. No multiplication of objections. No blatantly contentious posts or ganging up on opinion.

Posts should be respectful of individuals and of differences of mentality. The moderator, however, will set forth the main program or topic of discussion.

Please follow these generous guidelines, and contribute in any way if possible, to the thomism's knowledge of its own history and development.

James Miguez