Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province — Background and Themes

The Article as a Unit of Argument

Each article in the Secunda Secundae follows a fixed format: objections, a contrary citation, Aquinas's reasoned answer, and replies. In Question 92, Article 1, the objections cite Scripture and the Philosopher (Aristotle), while the contrary relies on Augustine's De Doctrina Christiana. Aquinas then synthesizes these sources, stating that sins against religion consist in exceeding the mean of virtue. The replies directly address each objection, often by refining distinctions—for example, noting that evil arises from single defects while good requires a unified cause. First-time readers should note that the objections are not straw men but serious positions Aquinas engages with.

Superstition as a Vice Against Religion

Aquinas treats superstition as a vice opposed to religion, which is a moral virtue. In Question 92, he explains that superstition can take two forms: giving divine worship to the wrong being (idolatry) or giving it to the true God in an undue manner. The latter includes hypocritical religion, which the gloss interprets as worship according to an outdated rite. Aquinas further divides superstition by its end: reverence (idolatry), instruction (divinatory superstition), or direction of acts (observances). This taxonomy is built on the principle that moral acts are specified by their objects and ends, a key Thomistic doctrine.

The Role of Augustine and Aristotle

Aquinas regularly cites Augustine and Aristotle as authorities, but he does not merely repeat them. In Question 92, Augustine's threefold division of superstition (idolatry, demonic compacts, and superstitious observances) is adopted and given a systematic rationale. Aristotle's dictum that opposites are multiple is invoked to explain why one virtue (religion) has several opposed vices. The excerpt shows Aquinas harmonizing patristic and philosophical sources, a hallmark of the Summa. Readers should watch for how he uses these authorities to structure his own arguments, often clarifying or extending their meaning.

Navigating the Text's Scale and Structure

At over 700,000 words, the Secunda Secundae is vast. The excerpt from Question 92 is one of hundreds of articles. The table of contents (not shown here) lists questions on faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, and more. Each question contains several articles. A first reader may benefit from focusing on a single question, such as Question 92 on superstition, to grasp the method. The electronic edition includes bracketed references (e.g., [II-II, Q. 93, Art. 1]) that help locate passages. The Prologue (not excerpted) outlines the plan: after the general virtues, Aquinas treats vices opposed to each virtue.

For a first reading, begin with the Prologue and then sample a few articles from different questions to become familiar with the dialectical structure. Pay attention to how Aquinas defines terms and distinguishes species. The Secunda Secundae is not meant to be read straight through; it is a reference work for theological inquiry. Use the table of contents and the article numbering to navigate to topics of interest. The electronic edition's corrections and formatting notes (e.g., bracketed additions) aid accuracy.