thomism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “thomism” mean?
The philosophical and theological system developed by Thomas Aquinas and his followers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical and theological system developed by Thomas Aquinas and his followers.
A school of thought within Catholic philosophy that synthesizes Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology, emphasizing reason, natural law, and the compatibility of faith and reason.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both regions use the term identically in academic contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with Catholic intellectual tradition, medieval philosophy, and neo-scholasticism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech; appears almost exclusively in academic theology, philosophy, and religious studies texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “thomism” in a Sentence
adherence to Thomisma return to Thomismthe development of Thomismcritiques of Thomisminfluence of Thomism onVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thomism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theologian sought to thomise the modern ethical dilemma.
- He wasn't merely studying Aquinas; he was attempting to thomise his entire worldview.
American English
- The philosopher aimed to Thomize the concepts of artificial intelligence.
- Some scholars Thomize contemporary political theory to find a natural law basis.
adverb
British English
- He argued thomistically, grounding his points in the Summa Theologiae.
- The problem was analysed thomistically, through the lens of act and potency.
American English
- She interpreted the text Thomistically, focusing on the four causes.
- The policy was defended Thomistically, appealing to the common good.
adjective
British English
- His thomistic approach to natural law was evident in the lecture.
- The debate centred on thomistic interpretations of Aristotle's metaphysics.
American English
- The Thomistic argument for God's existence was presented clearly.
- She favored a Thomistic framework for her ethics dissertation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used
Academic
Central term in philosophy and theology departments, especially in history of philosophy, medieval studies, and Catholic theology.
Everyday
Virtually never used
Technical
Specific term in philosophical and theological discourse denoting a particular school with defined doctrines on metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thomism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thomism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thomism”
- Misspelling as 'Thomisim' or 'Thomasism'.
- Using lowercase incorrectly when referring to the specific school.
- Confusing it with general medieval philosophy or all of Catholic thought.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While historically and primarily associated with Catholic thought, its philosophical arguments, particularly in metaphysics and ethics, are studied and debated by philosophers of various backgrounds.
Scholasticism is the broader medieval school of philosophical and theological teaching. Thomism is the specific system developed by Thomas Aquinas, which became the dominant form of Scholasticism.
Yes, particularly in Catholic intellectual circles, philosophy of religion, and natural law ethics. Movements like Analytical Thomism apply its framework to contemporary philosophical problems.
Key principles include the harmony of faith and reason, the theory of act and potency, the Five Ways (arguments for God's existence), natural law ethics, and the concept of the soul as the form of the body.
The philosophical and theological system developed by Thomas Aquinas and his followers.
Thomism is usually academic/technical in register.
Thomism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊmɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊmɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THOMas aquInisM' = THOMISM. The philosophical 'ism' of Thomas Aquinas.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHILOSOPHY IS A BUILDING (Thomism provides the foundation/framework); THINKING IS A JOURNEY (Thomism is a path/route to understanding).
Practice
Quiz
In which academic field is the term 'Thomism' MOST commonly used?