ST II-II, q. 180

Of the Contemplative Life

We must now consider the contemplative life, under which head there are eight points of inquiry:

(1) Whether the contemplative life pertains to the intellect only, or also to the affections?

(2) Whether the moral virtues pertain to the contemplative life?

(3) Whether the contemplative life consists in one action or in several?

(4) Whether the consideration of any truth whatever pertains to the contemplative life?

(5) Whether the contemplative life of man in this state can arise to the vision of God?

(6) Of the movements of contemplation assigned by Dionysius (Div. Nom. iv);

(7) Of the pleasure of contemplation;

(8) Of the duration of contemplation.

Articles

  1. a. 1Whether the contemplative life has nothing to do with the affections, and pertains wholly to the intellect?
  2. a. 2Whether the moral virtues pertain to the contemplative life?
  3. a. 3Whether there are various actions pertaining to the contemplative life?
  4. a. 4Whether the contemplative life consists in the mere contemplation of God, or also in the consideration of any truth whatever?
  5. a. 5Whether in the present state of life the contemplative life can reach to the vision of the Divine essence?
  6. a. 6Whether the operation of contemplation is fittingly divided into a threefold movement, circular, straight and oblique?
  7. a. 7Whether there is delight in contemplation?
  8. a. 8Whether the contemplative life is continuous?

Read on New AdventLatin text (Corpus Thomisticum)

ST II-II, q. 180 — Of the Contemplative Life - Thomas AI-quinas