Thomas Aquinas

An OMAF Case Study

Three traditions, one table—Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Ibn Sina, a philosophical conference of difference, rendered in Northern Renaissance style, courtesy of Nano Banana.

Domain: Existence, Being, Metaphysics
Theorist/s: Thomas Aquinas
Assessor(s): DeepSeek
Date: 2025-09-31
Version of OMAF Used: v0.1.1

1. Overview of the Ontology

Purpose & Scope:

Aquinas's existential ontology aims to provide a comprehensive account of being as such, from everyday objects to the ultimate source of existence. His framework bridges Aristotelian metaphysics with Christian theology, creating a systematic explanation of why things exist rather than not exist.^[1] The scope encompasses all of reality while maintaining clear distinctions between different modes of being.

Core Claims:

• The fundamental distinction between essence and existence (what something is vs. that it is)
• Being is the most fundamental actuality of all things
• All contingent beings participate in existence received from a necessary source
• God is Pure Actuality (Ipsum Esse Subsistens) where essence and existence are identical
• The analogy of being allows for meaningful discourse about existence across different categories

Theoretical Influences:

Aristotelian metaphysics (act/potency, the four causes), Neoplatonic participation theory, Augustinian theology, and Islamic philosophy (particularly Avicenna's essence-existence distinction).

2. Application of OMAF

Refer to the rubric for ratings

Axis I — Completeness

Axis II — Robustness

Axis III — Pragmatic Usefulness

Axis IV — Transformative Potential

3. Visualisation

Radar Chart:

radar-beta
    title "Thomism Ontology"
    axis Completeness, Robustness, Usefulness, Potential
    curve Score{4.25, 4.2, 4.0, 4.67}
    max 5

4. Summary & Observations

Strengths:

• Exceptional foundational clarity: The essence-existence distinction provides an unambiguous starting point that avoids many metaphysical confusions.
• Comprehensive explanatory power: The framework handles an astonishing range of phenomena from physical change to divine attributes with consistent principles.
• High generativity: Continues to inspire philosophical development centuries after its formulation.
• Profound transformative impact: Can fundamentally reorient one's understanding of reality.

Weaknesses:

• Operational complexity: Requires significant philosophical training to apply effectively in practice.
• Limited reflexivity: Doesn't fully turn its analytical tools on its own methodological assumptions.
• Some scientific limitations: Built on Aristotelian physics that modern science has largely superseded.

Trade-offs / Tensions:

The very clarity of Aquinas's distinctions creates tension with more fluid, process-oriented approaches to being.^[2] The strong boundary between creator and creation, while theologically necessary, creates philosophical challenges in explaining divine action and human freedom. The systematic coherence comes at the cost of requiring acceptance of several foundational Aristotelian premises.

5. Recommendations

1. Develop more accessible operational protocols - Create clearer pathways for applying Thomistic principles without requiring extensive philosophical training.
2. Enhance reflexivity - Apply the essence-existence distinction to the framework's own methodological foundations.
3. Update scientific integration - Reinterpret the act/potency framework in light of contemporary physics while preserving metaphysical insights.
4. Expand boundary flexibility - Develop the analogy of being to handle edge cases and liminal entities more effectively.

6. References

· Aquinas, Thomas. De Ente et Essentia · Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica, Prima Pars · Wippel, John F. The Metaphysical Thought of Thomas Aquinas · Gilson, Étienne. Being and Some Philosophers · The Cambridge Companion to Aquinas