Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal
Authors
1
M.A. in Islamic Philosophy and Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran (Corresponding Author).
2
. Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Philosophy and Wisdom, Faculty of Theology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran.
10.22081/jpt.2025.71679.2228
Abstract
In this article, using a descriptive-analytical method, Thomas's view on existence and its relationship with essence, which is scattered in his numerous works, is presented and examined in three areas of composition, distinction, and occurrence. In Aquinas' philosophy, existence (Esse) is of particular importance. For him, existence is the actuality of all actualities and the perfection of all perfections. Hence, he has used the term act of existence (actus essendi) to express the fundamental position of existence in his philosophical system. Accordingly, Aquinas believes that all creatures are composed of existence and essence in addition to various types of composition, and that this composition is not merely subjective but is a composition of two components that are inherent in the metaphysical structure of actual existence. In addition to composition, Aquinas has provided numerous arguments to prove the metaphysical distinction between existence and essence. However, at the same time, he has rejected the occurrence of existence over essence. The distinction between the three aspects of composition, distinction, and occurrence, and how to accept composition and distinction and reject the occurrence of existence over essence in the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, is the issue of this article.
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