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Summa Theologica

Thomas Aquinas · 1274

Thomas Aquinas's unfinished masterwork of theology, written as a handbook for beginners and covering nearly all Christian doctrine.

His unfinished masterwork, combining disputation method with Aristotelian philosophy and Christian doctrine.

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Title page of a 1596 Venice edition printed by Iuntas, with Latin text announcing two indexes to the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas, and a central ornate oval emblem with a fleur-de-lis and the letters L and A.
Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, 1596 Venice edition (title page shown).

About this source

What it is

The Summa Theologica is a vast theological work by the Dominican friar Thomas Aquinas, left unfinished at his death in 1274. It is organized into parts, questions and articles, each following a method of objections, a counter-argument, and a reasoned answer.

Why it matters

The Summa became one of the most influential works in Western thought, shaping Catholic theology for centuries and inspiring later writers such as Dante. It shows how Aquinas tried to combine the philosophy of Aristotle with Christian belief, reflecting the intellectual world of medieval universities where faith and reason were studied side by side.

Look closer

  • Why might a theologian organize his arguments as objections and replies rather than simple statements?
  • What does it tell us that Aquinas calls this a book for 'beginners'?
  • What views does Aquinas leave out or argue against, and what does that reveal about debates of his time?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Thomas Aquinas on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Oil painting of a bearded monk in a dark black habit, seated at a desk with an open book and a stack of books, gazing upward. A crucifix with a figure of Christ hangs at upper right against a dark background.Painting

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Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium

Thomas Aquinas · 1263

Engraving of a haloed saint kneeling at left, hand raised in refusal, facing a seated pope wearing a tiara and holding a crosier, with mitred bishops and a canopy behind. Latin caption text below.Painting

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Thomas Aquinas Refuses the Archbishopric of Naples

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Painted altarpiece panel with a gold background. Christ is enthroned at the top within a pointed arch. Below, four evangelist-like figures hold open books. A central monk in black habit holds an open book inscribed with text, surrounded by a dark circle with golden rays. Figures in red and black robes flank him, and a crowd of people with halos and a kneeling figure appear at the bottom.Painting

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Triumph of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Lippo Memmi · 1340

Engraving of a young man with a halo kneeling in chains before a group of Dominican friars in black and white habits, who lean toward him; a small inset at upper right shows a kneeling youth before a crucifix. Latin inscription below.Painting

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