Thomas <von Aquin>

Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225–1274) was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, and theologian, and one of the most important representatives of medieval scholasticism. Against his noble family’s wishes, he joined the Dominican Order while studying in Naples. He later studied in Paris and Cologne under Albertus Magnus and taught in Paris and Italy. In his writings, he combined Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. His major works include the *Summa Theologiae*, *On Being and Essence*, and commentaries on Aristotle. Thomas Aquinas was canonized in 1323 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567.