On the Unity of the Intellect against the Averroists
Aquinas disputes the thesis that all human beings share numerically one possible intellect. His case joins an interpretation of Aristotle to an account of personal action.
Understanding the text
Written in 1270 amid Parisian controversies, the treatise addresses Latin positions associated with the reception of Averroes; their precise historical identification is debated.
Key points
- 01
Personal thought
The theory must explain how this particular person thinks and understands.
- 02
Interpretation
Thomas argues through Aristotle’s texts rather than merely opposing philosophy to faith.
- 03
Attribution
The label “Averroist” does not show that every opponent held exactly the same doctrine.
Explore the ideas in depth
Who thinks? A medieval controversy
Aquinas disputes the thesis that all human beings share numerically one possible intellect. His case joins an interpretation of Aristotle to an account of personal action.
Personal thought
The theory must explain how this particular person thinks and understands. Written in 1270 amid Parisian controversies, the treatise addresses Latin positions associated with the reception of Averroes; their precise historical identification is debated.
Interpretation
Thomas argues through Aristotle’s texts rather than merely opposing philosophy to faith. Reconstruct the philosophical argument separately from the historical labels later attached to it.
Attribution
The label “Averroist” does not show that every opponent held exactly the same doctrine. Aquinas disputes the thesis that all human beings share numerically one possible intellect. His case joins an interpretation of Aristotle to an account of personal action.
Questions to carry into your reading
- What must a theory of individual thought explain?
- How can a source be distinguished from an opponent’s interpretation?
Reconstruct the philosophical argument separately from the historical labels later attached to it.
How to read it
Reconstruct the philosophical argument separately from the historical labels later attached to it.
Editions & sources
Summaries and key points are original editorial interpretations. They accompany reading the work and do not replace an edition of the text. Editorial method ↗