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Faith Quote by Thomas Aquinas

“[I]t is to be borne in mind, in regard to the philosophical sciences, that the inferior sciences neither prove their principles nor dispute with those who deny them, but leave this to a higher science; whereas the highest of them, viz. metaphysics, can dispute with one who denies its principles…” quote by Thomas Aquinas
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““[I]t is to be borne in mind, in regard to the philosophical sciences, that the inferior sciences neither prove their principles nor dispute with those who deny them, but leave this to a higher science; whereas the highest of them, viz. metaphysics, can dispute with one who denies its principles, if only the opponent will make some concession; but if he concede nothing, it can have no dispute with him, though it can answer his objections. Hence Sacred Scripture, since it has no science above itself, can dispute with one who denies its principles only if the opponent admits some at least of the truths obtained through divine revelation; thus we can argue with heretics from texts in Holy Writ, and against those who deny one article of faith, we can argue from another. If our opponent believes nothing of divine revelation, there is no longer any means of proving the articles of faith by reasoning, but only of answering his objections — if he has any — against faith. Since faith rests upon infallible truth, and since the contrary of a truth can never be demonstrated, it is clear that the arguments brought against faith cannot be demonstrations, but are difficulties that can be answered.””

Thomas Aquinas

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Summa Theologica, Part I, Question 1, 1273

Metaphysics can argue with skeptics only if they accept some revealed truth; otherwise faith must be defended by answering objections, not proving.

In simple terms: Faith defends itself by answering doubts when proof is impossible.

Key Takeaway

Use scripture to address doubts.

Themes

faith metaphysics argumentation

Mood

reflective serious

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • debates with heretics
  • teaching doctrine
  • interfaith dialogue

Key Concepts

theology epistemology revelation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can faith be communicated without shared premises?
  • What role does revelation play in rational discourse?
A Different Perspective

If opponents reject all revelation, rational proof fails.

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