The Universal Character of Thomism and its Contemporary Relevance according to Jacques Maritain’s Personalism

Abstract

In this article, the author studies the philosophical views of Jacques Maritain and considers his close relationship with the doctrine of Saint Thomas Aquinas, described as universal.  In the first part of his work, the author analyzes the context of time and its impact on the degradation of intelligence, the marginalization of metaphysics and the negation of the supernatural.  These topics are reviewed in detail by the author. The connection with the doctrine of Saint Thomas Aquinas opens a new research perspective for the author.   It provides clear perception of the power of intellect and the wealth of reality, considered not only from the aspect of being, but also from that of existence.  The Aquinas system becomes a point of support for Maritain in his vision of man, allowing him to enter into a dialogue with modernism.  These aspects of Thomism lead Maritain to define the doctrine of Aquinas as universal and valid as a science that is applicable in every age.  The most important aspect of this universalism is the realism proposed by Saint Thomas Aquinas in his doctrine.  Thanks to his analysis, Maritain discovers Thomism as a doctrine that allows one to fully understand the world and mankind.  The author concludes that for Maritain, the genius of Aquinas is to communicate with the future.  Thomism is fundamentally good and shows how one should live, but it must be constantly cultivated.  In this sense, it is a challenge for each new generation.