The Meaning of ‘Motus’ in Aquinas’ First Way



• The Meaning of “Motus” in Aquinas’ First Way

  Item Type	Journal Article
  Author	Gonçalo do Vale Sá da Costa
  Abstract	The 20th Century was a rich period for Thomism. Many commentaries to the First Way were written. One of the many points of disagreement between Thomists was the actual meaning of “motion.” In this paper, I try to argue that one should take for “motion” the broad meaning of “motus” (as equivalent to “mutatio”). I do so by reviewing the position of various prominent Thomists of the last century, many of which have disagreed with this position. I make the case that Aristotle is not the best interpreter of the First Way, and similarly that other works by Aquinas should only be used when the Summa Theologiae itself is not clear enough—which is not the case.
  Date	2023
  Language	English
  Rights	© 2023 Aletheia - Associação Científica e Cultural
  Volume	79
  Pages	205-230
  Publication	Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia
  DOI	10.17990/RPF/2023_79_1_0205
  Issue	1-2
  ISSN	0870-5283 ; 2183-461X
  Date Added	31/07/2023, 6:58:23 PM
  Modified	31/07/2023, 9:21:09 PM

  Tags:

  • change, first way, motion, philosophical theology, Thomas Aquinas.

  Notes:

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