2021
DOI: 10.3390/rel12050322
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Moral Aspects of Imaginative Art in Thomas Aquinas

Abstract: For Thomas Aquinas, the imagination, being one of the “inner senses”, is a doorway to attain true knowledge. In this paper, we first analyze his lexicon in this regard (imaginatio and phantasia). Second, we discuss imagination as the subject matter of the intellectual virtues, which facilitate cognition and judgment. The development of imagination is the foundation of his vision of education not only on the natural but also on the supernatural level. Third, we explore Aquinas’ moral assessment of imaginative a… Show more

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Cited by 4 publications
(5 citation statements)
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“…Their explanation of Aquinas's own distinction between two forms of imagination-phantasia (fantasy or the opposite of reality) and imaginatio or an "indispensable disposition to attain true knowledge"-provides a litmus test for navigating our image-rich contemporary context. 8 While fantasy might help us escape the world as it is, Aquinas reminds us that imagination "creat[es] images of things that help the soul to shape itself" by expanding our perception, whether of others, possible ends of our actions, or emotional responses available to us. 9 A cursory review of Aquinas's own engagement with "imaginary art" leads them to conclude that "art has the potential of providing imaginative insights, due to which many experiences can become habits."…”
Section: Reframing Familiar Figuresmentioning
confidence: 99%
See 1 more Smart Citation
“…Their explanation of Aquinas's own distinction between two forms of imagination-phantasia (fantasy or the opposite of reality) and imaginatio or an "indispensable disposition to attain true knowledge"-provides a litmus test for navigating our image-rich contemporary context. 8 While fantasy might help us escape the world as it is, Aquinas reminds us that imagination "creat[es] images of things that help the soul to shape itself" by expanding our perception, whether of others, possible ends of our actions, or emotional responses available to us. 9 A cursory review of Aquinas's own engagement with "imaginary art" leads them to conclude that "art has the potential of providing imaginative insights, due to which many experiences can become habits."…”
Section: Reframing Familiar Figuresmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…8 While fantasy might help us escape the world as it is, Aquinas reminds us that imagination "creat[es] images of things that help the soul to shape itself" by expanding our perception, whether of others, possible ends of our actions, or emotional responses available to us. 9 A cursory review of Aquinas's own engagement with "imaginary art" leads them to conclude that "art has the potential of providing imaginative insights, due to which many experiences can become habits." 10 Rachel Davis contributes to theological scholarship on Bonaventure to suggest a more positive embrace of embodiment even amid the "threatening unintelligibility" manifest through "embodiment, suffering, diminishment."…”
Section: Reframing Familiar Figuresmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Such a system of the world guarantees greater goodness, and God acts because of it, propter decentissimum ordinem. Aquinas compares this action of God with art when talking about the artistry of God, who aims at adapting His work to the best solution from the perspective of His intention, even if it involves agreeing to a lack, just as a saw is made of iron and not of glass, although the latter material is more beautiful (Storck 2010;Roszak and Berry 2021). Achieving this aim is of prime importance and God does not allow a desire for cosmetic or superficial beauty to impede his aim: »Therefore God gave to each natural being the best disposition; not absolutely so, but in the view of its proper end.…”
Section: Can God Do Something Better'?mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Indeed, the imagination is a tool for wisdom, it aids in the development of macro-level, coherent, global explanations. Art allows for the creative discovery of connections by revealing multiple aspects of ideas and objects (Roszak and Berry, 2021 ). Thus, I discuss imaginative uses of psychology as forms of reflexivity.…”
Section: Creative Uses Of Psychology In the Artsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The crucial connection between sensible and affective knowledge is the imagination: a precognitive simulation system that mediates between perception and cognition. According to Thomas Aquinas, imagination is an expanded perception of the world, it is necessary for abstraction of material from the senses and thus determines the quality of cognitive processes (Roszak and Berry, 2021 ). For instance, imagination is the sphere of playful adumbrations of image, sound, and movement.…”
Section: Creative Uses Of Psychology In the Artsmentioning
confidence: 99%