1.1. Terminology

The term “Thomism” can refer both to (1) the theology and philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas (ca. 1225–74) himself, the most influential of all scholastic theologians, and to (2) the very substantial theological and philosophical tradition of interpretive commentary on Aquinas, which began almost immediately after his death and continues today (see 2). The extent to which Thomism (2) reflects Thomism (1)—the extent to which the commentary tradition embodies and d…