Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), an Italian priest in the Dominican Order, is the foundational theologian for Modern Roman Catholicism. The Roman Catholic Church calls him the Doctor Universalis, Doctor Angelicus, and Doctor Communis. For a fair (as in acceptable) and brief summary of his life and work see here.  If you would like a good overview on his impact on philosophy, Frederick Copleston’s work History of Philosophy - vol 2 is a good source for an RC interpretation, as well as  his work devoted to the doctor, entitled Aquinas. Aquinas’ works also were heavily discussed and debated throughout the middle ages to the present day. For example, (more…)