The Theologian and the Philosopher
>Thomas Aquinas was a theologian. Sacred science—a systematic, ordered
understanding of divinely revealed truths—was his focus. For him other sciences or
studies have real importance, especially inasmuch as they form habits of insight and
provide the necessary conceptual framework for theology. Philosophy has a unique
place as the handmaid of theology.
Aristotle was a philosopher. For him wisdom culminating in knowledge of the first
cause is the greatest perfection of the human person. And he too cultivated the other
sciences, holding their greatest dignity to be in their fruitful relation to philosophy.