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How did the Renaissance period affect Aquinas' legacy in the history of philosophy?

Joan Leechman

The Renaissance period had a significant impact on Aquinas' legacy in the history of philosophy, leading to a renewed interest in his work and an appreciation for his contributions to Christian thought. Renaissance scholars, in their search for knowledge that would broaden their understanding of ancient philosophy, looked towards Aquinas as a source of inspiration.

One of the key areas in which Aquinas' legacy was influenced by the Renaissance was in his ideas around the nature of reality. Aquinas was a proponent of what was known as realism, which held that the objects of our perception existed independently of our minds. This stance reflected the Aristotelian tradition of natural philosophy, and Aquinas himself drew heavily on Aristotle's work in his own writing. However, the Renaissance mark saw a growing interest in the works of Plato and Neoplatonism, which led to an increased focus on the world of ideas and the role of the mind in knowledge acquisition.

This shift in thinking had a significant impact on Aquinas' legacy, as his emphasis on realism began to be viewed as outdated. Instead, scholars began to explore the possibilities of a more idealistic understanding of reality, one in which the mind played a key role in shaping our perception of the world. While this led to some criticisms of Aquinas and his work, it also contributed to a broader appreciation of his contributions to philosophy and highlighted the ongoing relevance of his ideas.

Another significant impact of the Renaissance on Aquinas' legacy was on his views around the role of reason and faith in religious thought. Aquinas is renowned for his attempts to reconcile philosophy and Christian theology, arguing that reason could be used to support the existence of God and other religious beliefs. However, the Renaissance saw a growing emphasis on the importance of individual experience and interpretation, leading some scholars to call into question the idea of a single, objective truth.

While this led to some criticisms of Aquinas' reliance on reason and logic, it also contributed to a renewed appreciation for his work in Christian philosophy. By emphasizing the compatibility of reason and faith, Aquinas' legacy was able to adapt to the changing intellectual climate of the Renaissance and remain a relevant part of philosophical discourse.

In conclusion, the Renaissance had a significant impact on Aquinas' legacy in the history of philosophy, leading to a renewed appreciation for his work in Christian theology and an ongoing interest in his ideas around the nature of reality and the role of reason in religious thought. While some aspects of his legacy were challenged by new discoveries and shifting intellectual trends, his ideas have continued to play a key role in philosophical discourse, and his contributions to Western thought remain a testament to his enduring legacy.