The analytical essays are to be 1000 to 1500 words long and must be submitted to

Question

The analytical essays are to be 1000 to 1500 words long and must be submitted to the Dropbox. (The Dropbox is linked to Turnitin.)

All sources must be properly cited using MLA format. Information on the MLA guidelines is accessible via the Doc Sharing tab.

The topic is as follows: Compare and contrast the characterization of God in Aquinas's Summa Theologica with the Neoplatonic conception of the One. Be sure to describe both the similarities and the differences between these two conceptions. You should also provide citations to Aquinas and, at minimum, Plotinus. You may or may not include references to the work of Pseudo-Dionysius or other Neoplatonists.

Explanation / Answer

Summa Theologica is a philosophical guide which has three major subdivisions to it. Part 1 primarily deals with Godand comprises of discussions on questions concerning the nature of God which is much debated in many othe ancient texts and scriptures. It also discusses themes like the existence itself, angels, the work of 6 days of creation, man and his true essence and nature, etc. The second part aims at questions concerning the purpose of man and his birth on this plane, his habits, virtues. Part 3 comprises of Christ and Incarnation. As a theological summary, the text aims at describing the nature of relationship between man and God and how the reconciliation between the two is possible through the path shown by Christ. According to this view, in Him is all life.

  Neoplatonists on the other end did not think that the universe could spring from the deity directly and in a way that surpasses all understanding, for example by being thought and spoken into existence. Their more refined view was that reality emerged from “the First” in coherent stages, in such a way that one stage functions as creative principle of the next. It talks about the existence of consciousness and of the inner and outer aspect of anything that occurs. For instance, the ecistence of sun leads to heat and therefore bearing of a certain kinf of fruit in that season. This is similar to every action having its reaction.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.