The systematic understanding of divine providence in the 'Summa theologiae''

This dissertation examines the mature, theological understanding of divine providence in the Summa theologiae of Saint Thomas Aquinas, arguing that what he has to say about divine providence in this work very much depends upon how he says it. The introductory first chapter explains that in the Summa theologiae Thomas systematically arranges the discussion of theology so as to better demonstrate its inner coherence. Careful attention must therefore be paid to the order of treatment of the work as a whole and any particular topic in particular. In the case of divine providence, Thomas distinguishes it into two senses, and gives a different context for each one. The first sense of providence is discussed in the treatise on God, while the second is raised much later in the treatise on creation. The dissertation's objective is to show the significance and benefits of treating the doctrine of providence in this distinguished and systematic manner.;Chapter two examines the treatise on the one God, on the divine essence and operations, as the proper context for understanding the first sense of divine providence. What Thomas affirms God to be, and the manner in which He acts, becomes the basis for concluding what is true of divine providence. Chapter three examines the first sense of divine providence, defined as the eternal idea of creation's order to end. Here providence, including that part of it called predestination, is understood in terms of the divine operations of understanding and willing, and thus express the Wisdom and Benevolence of God regarding creation. Chapter four develops the suggested analogy between divine providence and human prudence, showing the former to be God's legislative prudence which promulgates the eternal law for the sake of divine justice and the common good of creation. Chapter five examines the second sense of providence, divine government, in its proper context within the treatise on creation. Here providence is understood as the execution in time of God's plan, carried out by creatures acting under His guidance.