Thomas Aquinas: Summa Contra Gentiles

question 3

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Thomas Aquinas: Summa Contra Gentiles
Aquinas is notable for combining the metaphysics of Aristotle with the theology of Christianity. He begins with the Aristotelian idea that all human action aims at some end, and that this end is the good of action. In the case of human beings, the good at which our action aims is happiness. Our ultimate happiness must be something that we seek for its own sake, that is complete in itself, and that pertains to our intellectual nature. Aquinas argues that these constraints rule out many popular conceptions of happiness. For example, happiness cannot be pleasure, because pleasure exists for the sake of the operations of the body, and happiness is not an operation of the body. Happiness cannot be honor, glory, or wealth, for all of these things depend on external factors, and happiness is complete in itself. Moreover, happiness cannot consist of acts of the moral virtues, for such acts are directed toward external goals-courage, for example is directed toward victory in battle-but happiness is not directed toward any further end.
Aquinas endorses Aristotle's view that happiness consists in a contemplation, and contemplation of the highest object. Here Aquinas diverges from Aristotle by insisting that the highest object of contemplation is God. Aquinas concludes that the ultimate end of human action, and man's highest happiness, consists in contemplation of God, and that all human occupations should be regarded as existing for the sake of this end.
-According to Aquinas, the more one knows, the greater one's desire to know.

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Definitions:

Rational Expectations

An economic theory assuming individuals and firms use all available information to make forecasts and decisions, leading to outcomes that align with those expectations.

Expectations Theory

A theory in finance which suggests that the yields on long-term bonds will equal the average of short-term interest rates expected in the future, adjusted for a risk premium.

Rational Expectations

The theory suggesting that individuals form forecasts about the future based on all available information.

Critics

Individuals or groups that express disagreement or disapproval towards certain ideas, policies, or works, often seeking to present alternative viewpoints.