<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This paper reopens the debate on the possibility that Aquinas borrowed his <italic>tertia via </italic>from a Latin translation of Maimonides ‘Guide for the Perplexed’. After introducing the text of the <italic>tertia via</italic>, I shall analyze the first part and conclude that while a ‘metaphysical’, tenseless reading is correct, we should not be nervous to call Aquinas’s reasoning for what it is: flawed. Framing the problematic passage in its historical context, I shall then argue that the flaw lies not so much with Aquinas, but with the source he was borrowing from. This is Maimonides’ <italic>Dalālat al-ḥāʾirīn </italic>(“The Guide for the Perplexed”), and in fact more specifically the blame is to be given to an early translator into Latin. 
</abstract>

Reconsidering Arabic Roots for the <italic>Tertia Via</italic>

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This paper traces the basic contours of Aquinas’s account of connatural knowledge in order to see what role (if any) connaturality might play in our knowledge of the precepts of the natural law. It engages a dispute between Maritain and Doolan on this topic. After considering what Aquinas means by “connaturality” in general the paper examines the main elements of his view of knowledge by connaturality in particular. I argue that the true doctrine of Aquinas probably lies between Maritain and Doolan’s opposed interpretations. Although it is not the only way of doing so, connaturality or inclination would still seem to be one possible way of knowing the natural law, while the use of reason is another. 
</abstract>

Connatural Knowledge of the Natural Law 

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
In light of recent biblical scholarship claiming that the God of the Hebrew Bible has a body, this article investigates how Aquinas reads Isaiah’s description of God in embodied, anthropomorphic terms in 6, 1 (<italic>I saw the Lord sitting on a throne high and lifted up</italic>, etc.) in tandem with the prophet’s denial that God is like any creature in 40, 18 (<italic>To whom have you likened God? Or what image will you make for Him?</italic>). We seek to show that, according to Aquinas, Is. 6, 1 teaches not that God has or is a body, but rather that He is not. 
</abstract>

Is God a Body? Isaiah, Divine Dissimilitude, and Scriptural Signification 

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This paper presents a reading of Aquinas’ treatment of the value of music in religious teaching and preaching about God that reinterprets his claim in ST II-II, q. 91, a.2 that language is of ‘a more noble kind’ than music. Through an understanding of Aquinas’ writings on ‘contemplation’ a more complex and thorough treatment of music can be outlined. Far from simply presenting an argument for the superiority of language over music for the purpose of gaining religious understanding, this paper argues that Aquinas’ wider literary corpus on the subject of contemplation provides both implicit and explicit support for the parallel value music and language. 
</abstract>

<italic>Nobilior Modus Est: </italic>The Importance of Music in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas

Book reviews 

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Volume 41 (2023): Issue 1 (October 2023)

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European Journal for the Study of Thomas Aquinas

 The European Journal for the Study of Thomas Aquinas (EJSTA) publishes academic contributions studying the work of Thomas Aquinas. It is a continuation (now open access and online-only, peer reviewed, no fee from the author required) of the Jaarboek of the Thomas Instituut Utrecht (Tilburg University, The Netherlands, published since 1981), and appears annually. The EJSTA is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Theology of Nicolaus Copernicus University of Toruń (PL), the Saint Thomas Aquinas Institute for Theology and Culture of the Faculty of Theology (ISTAC) of the University of Fribourg (CH), and the aforementioned Thomas Instituut Utrecht (NL). At all three institutions a form of Thomist ressourcement is taking place, with emphasis on the distinctly theological character of Aquinas’ works, including his Biblical commentaries. The EJSTA welcomes all scholarly contributions (written either in English, German, French, Spanish or Italian) that are directly or indirectly related to the study of Thomas Aquinas. Its aim is to disseminate the ongoing research done at its founding institutions as well as to provide a platform for other scholars in the field. Publications in the journal are of high academic quality and either advance or accurately evaluate present debates in the study of Aquinas. EJSTA includes reviews of books relevant to this mission.   You can contact the editorial board at ejsta@uvt.nl.  Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process. 

European Journal for the Study of Thomas Aquinas

Volume 41 (2023): Issue 1 (October 2023)

Reconsidering Arabic Roots for the Tertia Via

Connatural Knowledge of the Natural Law

Is God a Body? Isaiah, Divine Dissimilitude, and Scriptural Signification

Nobilior Modus Est: The Importance of Music in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas

Book reviews

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